Part 15 (1/2)

(Taking card from him.) You may go--stop--(reading card.) Show the lady up, and not a word of warning to her that she will meet _me_ instead of your master. If you breathe a syllable to her you shall be discharged. Keep whistling all the while go that I may know you are not telling her. (DIBBS whistles Dead March and goes off slowly; he is heard in the distance as if he went downstairs. The sound becomes louder as he returns with lady.)

Enter DIBBS, followed by MISS LOTTIE BLITHERS; she is a showily-dressed young lady of prepossessing appearance.

MRS. S. (to DIBBS, who continues to whistle). That will do!

(Exit DIBBS.

MISS B. Pardon my intrusion, madam, but I have called respecting a gentleman residing here.

MRS. S. Indeed!

MISS B. I have written to him more than once, but received no answer.

MRS. S. Recently?

MISS B. To-day.

MRS. S. (recollecting the letter of Act I.). Written here--was your letter signed ”Lottie”?

MISS B. Yes. It's my name. I have placed myself in a false position, and I want my husband at once to release me from it.

MRS. S. Have you brought him with you?

MISS B. No--I am here to find him!

MRS. S. To find him! (Aside.) That letter was _not_ for Fred, but for Sam, after all. (Aloud.) When did you last see him?

MISS B. Last night.

MRS. S. (aside). So he took advantage of my short absence!

(Aloud.) Madam, I am loath to hurt your feelings, but I fear that you have been imposed upon by a _married man_!

MISS B. Married! Oh! I see now why he pretended our union must be kept secret from the world! I am a wretched woman! (Sobbing, sits L.)

MRS. S. I, too, have been blinded, but we will unmask the traitor between us. Step in here!

MISS B. Oh! I could tear his eyes out!

MRS. S. That I could never allow you to do. I want to do it myself!

(Exit MISS BLITHERS into room, L.

MRS. S. (locking door). Now to confront the double-dyed deceiver! He shall not know I have learnt all his perfidies!

I know I have him firmly on the hook--and I will play with him in order to watch his struggles! He comes, the wretch!

Enter SELWYN, R. 2 E., looking very anxious; seeing his wife he a.s.sumes a sickly sort of smile.

SEL. So glad you are here, dearest!

MRS. S. (confronting him, severely). You told me Lottie's letter was _not_ for you.