Part 8 (1/2)

SCENE:--The same; MRS. SELWYN is discovered seated at secretaire writing; GRACE looking over her shoulder.

MRS. S. That will do, I think! (Strikes bell.)

Enter DIBBS.

DIBBS. Yes'm!

MRS. S. Dibbs, I have a somewhat confidential errand to send you upon. You know the young gentleman who sent in his card this morning?

DIBBS. Yes, ma'am--good looking gent--touch of the brogue about him!

MRS. S. That's right! Take this letter to the address upon it, and give it into his own hands--remember, _his own hands_.

DIBBS. Suttingly, mum! (Going towards door.)

MRS. S. And, Dibbs,--ahem--you need not mention your errand to my husband.

DIBBS. Not for the world, ma'am. (Aside.) Another secret!

If this don't get me a rise at the end of the month nothing will!

(Exit at back.

GRACE. It _is_ good of you, mamma, to help us at a time when papa seems so unreasonable--I will never have Mr. Bellamy, never!

MRS. S. You never shall, my darling, but hush, here comes one of the enemy. (They sit, one on R., the other on L.)

Enter FRED still with Directory and hat in his hands; he falls exhausted in arm chair.

FRED. Pouf! A nice time I have had of it! (Seeing ladies and coming C.) Oh! I beg pardon, Mrs. Selwyn and Miss Grace!

(They take no notice of him.) They don't hear me apparently!

(Aloud.) It's very cool to-day, don't you think so? (They turn their backs on him and give him the cut direct; MRS. SELWYN, R., GRACE, L.) This is strange! May I ask if Mr. Selwyn has gone out? (They remain silent.) Is this a joke or a new parlor game? (Speaking loudly.) I beg pardon, but is Mr. Selwyn at home?

MRS. S. (turning towards him with icy coldness). Were you addressing _us_, Mr. Bellamy?

FRED. Yes! that was my intention!

MRS. S. I am surprised you should dare to show your face here!

GRACE. Even if you _did_ save papa's life you have no right to make _me_ miserable!

MRS. S. No _gentleman_ would attempt to force his affections where they are not wanted!

FRED. Excuse me!

MRS. S. Especially after such deceit which has luckily been discovered in time; of course we cannot argue with you if your own sense of honor does not prompt you to do what is right.

FRED (puzzled). Really, Mrs. Selwyn, you must be more explicit!

MRS. S. We have said all that need be said to anyone with a spark of proper feeling. Good day, Mr. Bellamy!