MARY. Exactly. And who are you?
WID. Me--I--a--ah--I'm--a--the waiter--from the tavern.
MARY. Perhaps, then, you can tell me where I can find Mr. Widgetts?
WID. Not exactly. You've particular business with him?
MARY. Rather. In fact--I don't mind telling you--I'm one of the
detective police.
WID. (_Alarmed._) You!--a gentleman?
MARY. Oh, yes, we go about in all manner of disguises, when we want to
pick up a shy bird. Now, I'm looking for Widgetts, and I shouldn't
mind giving five pounds if you could tell me where to lay my hand upon
him.
(_Lays her hand on Widgetts' shoulder, who starts._)
WID. Ah! Ha, ha, ha! Five pounds! Is it a--very serious business, eh?
MARY. Merely a hanging matter.
WID. Nothing more? (_Aside._) The dreadful deed's discovered. I'll be
off. Hem, well, I'll go and look after Mr. Widgetts.
MARY. No, no; you must stop here. I've no doubt I shall want you
presently.
_Enter MADEMOISELLE CHERI BOUNCE, L._
CHERI. I beg pardon.
WID. (_Aside._) Zounds! Ma'amselle Cheri Bounce.
CHERI. I expected to meet a gent--Mr. Widgetts.
MARY. Who invited you to supper?
(_Crosses to L._)
WID. (_Aside._) How did the fellow know that?
MARY. My friend, Widgetts, has been obliged to leave home rather
suddenly, but he has left me here to perform the agreeable for him.
Supper, you see, is waiting, Ma'amselle.