_Gadd._
[_Loading his pipe._] Gad, no!
_Avonia._
[_To Colpoys._] Would you, Gus, dear?
_Gadd._
[_Under his breath._] Here! not so much of the Gus dear----
_Avonia._
[_To Colpoys._] Would you?
_Colpoys._
No, I'm blessed if I would, my darling.
_Gadd._
[_His pipe in his mouth._] Mr. Colpoys! less of the darling!
_Avonia._
[_Rising._] Rose, don't you put up with it! [_Striking the top of the
card-table vigorously._] I say, don't you stand it! [_Embracing Rose._]
You're an independent girl, dear; they came to you, these people; not
you to them, remember.
_Rose._
[_Sitting on the couch._] Oh, what can I do? I can't do anything.
_Avonia._
Can't you! [_Coming to Gadd._] Ferdinand, advise her. You tell her how
to----
_Gadd._
[_Who has risen._] Miss Bunn--Mrs. Gadd, you have been all over Mr.
Colpoys this evening, ever since we----
_Avonia._
[_Angrily, pushing him back into his chair._] Oh, don't be a silly!
_Gadd._
Madam!
_Avonia._
[_Returning to Colpoys._] Gus, Ferdinand's foolish. Come and talk to
Rose, and advise her, there's a dear boy----
[_Colpoys rises; she takes his arm, to lead him to Rose. At that moment
Gadd advances to Colpoys and slaps his face violently._]
_Colpoys._
Hey----!
_Gadd._
Miserable viper!
[_The two men close. Tom runs to separate them. Rose rises with a cry
of terror. There is a struggle and general uproar. The card-table is
overturned, with a crash, and Avonia utters a long and piercing shriek.
Then the house-bells are heard ringing violently._]
_Rose._
Oh----! [_The combatants part; all look scared. At the door,
listening._] They are moving--coming! Turn out the----!
[_She turns out the light at the table. The room is in half-light as
Sir William enters, cautiously, closely followed by Miss Gower. They are
both in dressing-gowns and slippers; Sir William carries a thick stick
and his bedroom candle. Rose is standing by a chair; Gadd, Avonia,
Colpoys, and Tom are together._]
_Sir William._
Miss Trelawny----!
_Miss Gower._
_Rose._----! [_Running behind the screen._] Men!
_Sir William._
Who are these people?
_Rose._
[_Advancing a step or two._] Some friends of mine who used to be at the
"Wells" have called upon me, to inquire how I am getting on.
[_Arthur enters, quickly._]
_Arthur._
[_Looking round._] Oh! Rose----!
_Sir William._
[_Turning upon him._] Ah--h--h--h! How come you here?
_Arthur._