_Sir William._
I will not trouble you, Captain de Foenix, to echo Miss Gower's
information.
_De Foenix._
Vevy sowwy, sir.
_Miss Gower._
[_Gently._] It was a little out of place, Frederick.
_Sir William._
Sssh! whist. [_Arthur is now on Sir William's right, with the
snuff-box._] Eh? what? [_Taking the snuff-box from Arthur._] Oh, thank
ye. Much obleeged, much obleeged.
[_Arthur walks away and picks up a book. Sir William turns in his chair,
watching Arthur._]
_Miss Gower._
You to play, William. [_A pause._] William, dear----?
[_She also turns, following the direction of his gaze. Laying down his
cards, Sir William leaves the card-table and goes over to Arthur slowly.
Those at the card-table look on apprehensively._]
_Sir William._
[_In a queer voice._] Arthur.
_Arthur._
[_Shutting his book._] Excuse me, grandfather.
_Sir William._
Ye--ye're a troublesome young man, Arthur.
_Arthur._
I--I don't mean to be one, sir.
_Sir William._
As your poor father was, before ye. And if you are fool enough to marry,
and to beget children, doubtless your son will follow the same course.
[_Taking snuff._] Y--y--yes, but I shall be dead 'n' gone by that time,
it's likely. Ah--h--h--h! pi--i--i--sh! I shall be sitting in the Court
Above by that time--- [_From the adjoining room comes the sound of
Rose's voice singing "Ever of Thee" to the piano. There is great
consternation at the card-table. Arthur is moving towards the
folding-doors, Sir William detains him._] No, no, let her go on, I beg.
Let her continue. [_Returning to the card-table, with deadly calmness._]
We will suspend our game while this young lady performs her operas.
_Miss Gower._
[_Rising and taking his arm._] William----!
_Sir William._
[_In the same tone._] I fear this is no' longer a comfortable home for
ye, Trafalgar; no longer the home for a gentlewoman. I apprehend that
in these days my house approaches somewhat closely to a Pandemonium.
[_Suddenly taking up the cards, in a fury, and flinging them across the
room._] And this is whist--whist----!
[_Clara and De Foenix rise and stand together. Arthur pushes open the
upper part of the folding-doors._]
_Arthur._
_Rose._ stop! Rose!
[_The song ceases and Rose appears._]
_Rose._
[_At the folding-doors._] Did anyone call?
_Arthur._
You have upset my grandfather!
_Miss Gower._
Miss Trelawny, how--how dare you do anything so--so out of place?
_Rose._
There's a piano in there, Miss Gower.
_Miss Gower._
You are acquainted with the rule of this household--no music when the
Vice Chancellor is within doors.
_Rose._
But there are so many rules. One of them is that you may not sneeze.
_Miss Gower._