[She turns to Edith].
MRS BRIDGENORTH. My daughter Edith. [She comes towards the study
door to make the introduction].
MRS GEORGE. The bride! [Looking at Edith's dressing-jacket] Youre
not going to get married like that, are you?
THE BISHOP [coming round the table to Edith's left] Thats just
what we are discussing. Will you be so good as to join us and
allow us the benefit of your wisdom and experience?
MRS GEORGE. Do you want the Beadle as well? He's a married man.
They all turn, involuntarily and contemplate the Beadle, who
sustains their gaze with dignity.
THE BISHOP. We think there are already too many men to be quite
fair to the women.
MRS GEORGE. Right, my lord. [She goes back to the tower and
addresses the Beadle] Take away that bauble, Joseph. Wait for me
wherever you find yourself most comfortable in the neighborhood.
[The Beadle withdraws. She notices Collins for the first time].
Hullo, Bill: youve got em all on too. Go and hunt up a drink for
Joseph: theres a dear. [Collins goes out. She looks at Soames's
cassock and biretta] What! Another uniform! Are you the sexton?
[He rises].
THE BISHOP. My chaplain, Father Anthony.
MRS GEORGE. Oh Lord! [To Soames, coaxingly] You dont mind, do
you?
SOAMES.
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