Part 52 (1/2)

--Smith.-- Right you are, Sir. (_Exit._)

(Smith _leans back in his chair and stares in front of him._)

--Smith-- (_to himself_). Arabella!

_Enter_ Boy, _followed by a stylishly dressed lady of middle age._

--Boy.-- Mrs. Robinson. (_Exit._)

(Mrs. Robinson _stops short in the middle of the room and stares at the Editor; then staggers and drops on to the sofa._)

--Smith-- (_in wonder_). Arabella!

--Mrs. Robinson.-- William!

(_They fall into each other's arms._)

--Arabella.-- I had begun to almost despair. (_Smith winces._) ”Almost to despair,” I mean, darling.

--Smith-- (_with a great effort_). No, no, dear. You were right.

--Arabella.-- How sweet of you to think so, William.

--Smith.-- Yes, yes, it's the least I can say.... I have been very lonely without you, dear.... And now, what shall we do? Shall we get married again quietly?

--Arabella.-- Wouldn't that be bigamy?

--Smith.-- I think not, but I will ask the printer's reader. He knows everything. You see, there will be such a lot to explain, otherwise.

--Arabella.-- Dear, can you afford to marry?

--Smith.-- Well, my salary as editor is only twenty thousand a year, but I do a little reviewing for other papers.

--Arabella.-- And I have--nothing. How can I come to you without even a trousseau?

--Smith.-- Yes, that's true.... (_Suddenly_) By Jove, though, you _have_ got something! You have eight thousand pounds! We owe you that for your articles. (_With a return to his professional manner._) Did I tell you how greatly we all appreciated them? (_Goes to telephone._) Is that you, Jones? Just come here a moment. (_To_ Arabella) Jones is my sub-editor; he is keeping your money for you.

_Enter_ Jones.

--Jones-- (_producing an old stocking_). I've just been round to my rooms to get that money--(_sees_ Arabella)--oh, I beg your pardon.

--Smith-- (_waving an introduction_). Mrs. Smith--my wife. This is our sub-editor, dear--Mr. Jones. (_Arabella puts her hand to her heart and seems about to faint._) Why, what's the matter?

--Arabella-- (_hoa.r.s.ely_). Where did you get that stocking?

--Smith-- (_pleasantly_). It's one he wears when he goes bicycling.