JUDGE. [_Going hack to the fire._] Sumptuary laws--that's what we want. If
women didn't wear bracelets, they couldn't lose them.
MRS. WESTERN. Martin, William is honest, isn't he?
HARVEY. [_Protesting._] Oh, hang it, Alice!
MARTIN. Quite, madam--excellent character--a little flighty, but a most
respectable young man.
MRS. WESTERN. I've seen him reading a sporting paper.
JUDGE. A weakness, my dear Alice, common to the best of us, I do it
myself sometimes, but I'm willing to be searched.
MRS. BANKET. O Tom, _do_ be quiet!
MRS. WESTERN. [_To the_ JUDGE.] You're very unsympathetic. [_Turning to_
MARTIN _again._] None of the other servants came in after we left?
MARTIN. No, madam.
MRS. WESTERN. You're sure?
MARTIN. Quite sure, madam. They were all downstairs, having their supper.
MRS. WESTERN. Most mysterious! Incomprehensible!
JUDGE. [_Looking at his watch._] Past nine! We shall plunge into the
play--like body-snatchers, looking for the corpse of the plot--and we
shall never know what it was that the heroine did.
MRS. WESTERN. [_Ignoring him, to_ MARTIN.] Smithers I'll answer for.