SHORT. (aside) He’ll never get on with his wife; he has no tact—not the slightest. (observing SWEET) Good gracious! Sweet, what’s the matter? don’t you feel well?

SWEET. What’s this?

SHORT. What is it? Why you see what it is; the book of the fashions.

SWEET. (L.) What can it mean?

SHORT. (R.—looking into the book) A note!

SWEET. Written in pencil! without address or signature!

SHORT. (feeling for his spectacles) Where are my spectacles?

SWEET. Why am I afraid to read it? Why do I tremble from head to foot? I am in a cold perspiration! Short!

SHORT. Written in pencil.