_The scene represents an apartment on the second floor of Mrs. Mossop's
house. The room is of a humbler character than that shown in the first
act; but, though shabby, it is neat. On the right is a door, outside
which is supposed to be the landing. In the wall at the back is another
door, presumably admitting to a further chamber. Down L. there is a
fireplace, with a fire burning, and over the mantelpiece a mirror. In
the left-hand corner of the room is a small bedstead with a tidily-made
bed, which can be hidden by a pair of curtains of some common and faded
material, hanging from a cord slung from wall to wall. At the foot of
the bedstead stands a large theatrical dress-basket. On the wall, by the
head of the bed, are some pegs upon which hang a skirt or two and other
articles of attire. On the right, against the back wall, there is a
chest of drawers, the top of which is used as a washstand. In front
of this is a small screen, and close by there are some more pegs with
things hanging upon them. On the right wall, above the sofa, is a
hanging bookcase with a few books. A small circular table, with a
somewhat shabby cover upon it, stands on the left. The walls are
papered, the doors painted stone-color. An old felt carpet is on the
floor. The light is that of morning. A fire is burning in the grate._
[_Mrs. Mossop, now dressed in a workaday gown, has just finished making
the bed. There is a knock at the center door._]
_Avonia._
[_From the adjoining room._] Rose!
_Mrs. Mossop._
[_Giving a final touch to the quilt._] Eh?
_Avonia._
Is Miss Trelawny in her room?
_Mrs. Mossop._
No, Mrs. Gadd; she's at rehearsal.
_Avonia._