ADELA. No matter; obey me, or I tell all. (_door, L., is violently
shaken_) There he is--open yonder door--now, Mr. Harry, we shall see!
(_runs off, door, R.--shaking at door, L., continues_)
SIMON. (_staggering across_) Don't be in a hurry--don't be in a hurry!
(_unbolts door, L.--FRANK darts on with scent bottle, which he rams
against SIMON'S nose_)
FRANK. Sniff--sniff! and then swallow it--eh? (_looking round_) Where
is she?
SIMON. Here I am, sir.
FRANK. (_crossing to R._) The young lady that I left here fainting.
SIMON. (_looking round_) Eh? yes, she _is_ gone.
FRANK. (_trying R. door_) Fastened! (_looking at SIMON_) Go to bed,
wretch! (_placing scent bottle on table_)
SIMON. (_taking cushion from easy chair_) Let me get my pillow.
FRANK. Horribly drunk!
SIMON. I was just now, but it's evaporating.
FRANK. Go out into the air.
SIMON. (_going_) Yes, I'll go to the park gate, and go to bed.
FRANK. Be off!
SIMON. (_returning_) Stop a bit--I haven't got my nightcap. (_takes
bottle from easy chair_)
FRANK. (_pushing him off_) Begone, drunken brute!
_SIMON goes off, C. door, carrying cushion and bottle._
I have behaved like a ruffian to that charming creature--I must obtain
her forgiveness, for I doat upon her--never was in love before, and
the novel sensation is so delightful that--(_tapping at R. door_)
Adelaide--Miss Adelaide--charming Adelaide! if you would but pardon
me--if you would but hear me! (_gate bell rings without_) What's that
about at this time of night? Oh! it's that idiot Simon; he said he was
going to the park gates. Luckily there is no one to be disturbed here.
_ADELAIDE enters, C. door, as an old lady._
ADELA. No, no, I don't want anybody to accompany me.
FRANK. (_turning_) Who's that?
ADELA. (_aside_) You will know presently. (_aloud_) Eh! a woman! what
do you want here? who are you?
FRANK. For that matter, ma'am, who are you?
ADELA. Who am I! you ask me that! Don't you know I am the mistress of
this house?
FRANK. (_aside_) My grandmother--phew! I should never have known her.
ADELA. And I should be glad to know what you are doing in my house at
this hour of the night.
FRANK. (R. C.) Well, the fact is--(_aside_) The devil, though, I can't
tell her in this dress that I am her grandson.
ADELA. (_going up_) If you don't answer, I shall call Simon to bundle
you out.
FRANK. (_aside_) Ah! (_aloud_) I am the companion.
ADELA. You a companion at your age?
FRANK. Yes, ma'am, I am a widow.
ADELA. But Dunstable wrote to me that she was young and pretty; and
you are as old as the hills.
FRANK. Oh, no! but I have seen so much trouble.
ADELA. And you are ugly--downright ugly.
FRANK. Well, beauty is all a matter of opinion.
ADELA. And look here, what is this? (_taking FRANK by the arm and
making him pass before her_) Wine, cigars, a pipe, in my house!
gracious goodness!
FRANK. (L. C.) I was going to tell you--it's your grandson.
ADELA. (R. C.) My grandson?
FRANK. Yes, Harry--he is here--and the pipe-- (_aside_) I shall bolt.
(_aloud_) I will inform him of your arrival.
ADELA. (_clutching his arm_) No, never mind, I shall see him
to-morrow. (_looking at him and starting_) Why, can I believe my eyes?
that's one of my gowns you have on.
FRANK. (_aside_) Oh, lord!
ADELA. And that is my bonnet.