Part 12 (1/2)

FRED. Thanks for your good intentions. But how can _you_ interfere? _You_ are not her father.

(Exit FRED, L. 2 E. quickly.

SEL. Not her father! What? Here I say! (He rushes after FRED, who slams his door.)

Enter DIBBS, hurriedly, C.

DIBBS. Sir, sir! (MR. SELWYN sits, L.)

SEL. What is it now?

DIBBS (aside, taking him down, R.). A lady downstairs--says she must see Mr. Fred Bellamy--her name's Lottie--and she says she's been deceived----

SEL. Great Goodness! 'Tis she! (Aside to DIBBS.) Hush, not a word! I'll be there in an instant.

(Exit DIBBS, C.

CAPT. K. (entering, L. U. E.). Me darling!

SEL. (stopping). Who's this familiar fellow?

GRACE. Oh! Corney! Papa's changed his mind _again_, and withdrawn his consent!

CAPT. K. Would he give you to this Bellamy? (GRACE nods, ”Yes.”)

SEL. Is that Captain Katskill?

CAPT. K. Never while I am alive.

SEL. Excuse me, sir----(advancing).

CAPT. K. (only half turning to him). Sir, I did not address meself to you! (Continuing conversation to ladies.) I do not yet despair me darling!

SEL. Darling! How dare you call my----

CAPT. K. (sharply). Sir, I am not talking to you!

SEL. (piqued at his abruptness). You are a vagabond!

CAPT. K. Sir, for the third and last time I say I am not speaking to you. (Continuing.) After all Mr. Selwyn is not really the father of my Gracie.

SEL. Now _he's_ at it!

CAPT. K. She's the child of his cousin's widow--he told me so himself.

MRS. S. (aside). What does he mean?

SEL. (furious). My cousin's--what?

Enter FRED, with his luggage in hand, L. 2 E.