_Charles._
[_Advancing._] I see Sir William h'and the rest descend the stairs. I
'ave been awaitin' the chawnce of 'andin' you this, Miss Rose.
[_He produces a dirty scrap of paper, wet and limp, with writing upon
it, and gives it to her._]
_Rose._
[_Handling it daintly._] Oh, it's damp!--
_Charles._
Yes, miss; a little gentle shower 'ave been takin' place h'outside--'eat
spots, cook says.
_Rose._
[_Reading._] Ah! from some of my friends. Charles.
[_Behind his hand._] Perfesshunnal, Miss Rose?
_Rose._
[_Intent upon the note._] Yes--yes---
_Charles._
I was reprimandin' the organ, miss, when I observed them lollin' against
the square railin's examinin' h'our premises, and they wentured for to
beckon me. An egstremely h'affable party, miss. [_Hiding his face._] Ho!
one of them caused me to laff!
_Rose._
[_Excitedly._] They want to speak to me--[_referring to the note_] to
impart something to me of an important nature. Oh, Charles, I know not
what to do!
_Charles._
[_Languishingly._] Whatever friends may loll against them railin's
h'opposite, Miss Rose, you 'ave one true friend in this 'ouse--Chawles
Gibbons----
_Rose._
Thank you, Charles. Mr. Briggs, the butler, is sleeping out to-night,
isn't he?
_Charles._
Yes, miss, he 'ave leave to sleep at his sister's. I 'appen to know he
'ave gone to Cremorne.
_Rose._
Then, when Sir William and Miss Gower have retired, do you think you
could let me go forth; and wait at the front door while I run across and
grant my friends a hurried interview?
_Charles._
Suttingly, miss.
_Rose._
If it reached the ears of Sir William, or Miss Gower, you would lose
your place, Charles!
_Charles._
[_Haughtily._] I'm aweer, miss; but Sir William was egstremely rood to
me dooring dinner, over that mis'ap to the ontray----- [_A bell rings
violently._] S'william!
[_He goes out. The rain is heard pattering against the window panes.
Rose goes from one window to another, looking out. It is now almost
black outside the windows._]
_Rose._
[_Discovering her friends._] Ah! yes, yes! ah--h--h--h! [_She snatches
an antimacassar from a chair and jumping onto the couch, waves it
frantically to those outside._] The dears! the darlings! the faithful
creatures----! [_Listening._] Oh------!
[_She descends, in a hurry, and flings the antimacassar under the couch,
as Miss Gower enters. At the same moment there is a vivid flash of
lightning._]
_Miss Gower._
[_Startled._] Oh, how dreadful! [_To Rose, frigidly._] The Vice
Chancellor has felt the few words he has addressed to Arthur, and has
retired for the night. [_There is a roll of thunder. Rose alarmed, Miss
Gower clings to a chair._] Mercy on us! Go to bed, child, directly. We
will all go to our beds, hoping to awake to-morrow in a meeker and more
submissive spirit. [_Kissing Rose upon the brow._] Good-night. [_Another
flash of lightning._] Oh----! Don't omit to say your prayers, Rose--and
in a simple manner. I always fear that, from your peculiar training, you
may declaim them. That is so out of place--oh!
[_Another roll of thunder. Rose goes across the room, meeting Charles,
who enters carrying a lantern. They exchange significant glances, and
she disappears._]
_Charles._
[_Coming to Miss Gower._] I am now at liberty to accompany you round the
'ouse, ma'am----[_A flash of lightning._]
_Miss Gower._
Ah-----! [_Her hand to her heart._] Thank you,
Charles--but to-night I must ask you to see that everything is secure,
alone. This storm--so very seasonable; but, from girlhood, I could
never---
[_A roll of thunder._] Oh, good-night!
[_She flutters away. The rain beats still more violently upon the window
panes._]
_Charles._
[_Glancing at the window._] Ph--e--e--w! Great 'evans!
[_He is dropping the curtains at the window when Rose appears at the
folding-doors._]
_Rose._
[_In a whisper._] Charles!
_Charles._
Miss?
_Rose._
[_Coming into the room, distractedly._] Miss Gower has gone to bed.
_Charles._