REBECCA. (aside) He’s an extraordinary looking fellow! What a beard he has got! I hardly know what to do, as they are neither of them at home; but I suppose there will be no harm in giving him some breakfast.
VAN. Come, I say young woman, are you going to move? You are not aware that I haven’t tasted anything to-day.
REBECCA. It will be ready directly, sir.
Exit, C. to L.
VAN. That girl wouldn’t make a bad model; but she don’t seem very bright. Egad! I have been so long away in the Crimea, that I feel half inclined to make love to every pretty woman I meet. That was an uncommonly fine creature that got into the train at Bishopstoke; rather stiff though, at first, but before we came to the journey’s end I had quite broken the ice with her. By the way, I am afraid I ran away from her rather abruptly this morning—quite forgot to look after her luggage and all that sort of thing. No great wonder either—once arrived in London, how could I think of any one but my dear little wife? How I long to see her. (going to sit down, sees the morning gown) What’s this? a morning gown. (examining it) To be sure—I recollect it. I declare, it gave me, quite a turn! The one I had made just before I went away! Affectionate little soul! hanging over the chair back to keep her company. I dare say she’s in the habit of kissing and talking to it every day of her life. I feel rather tired—I’ll put it on. (takes off his coat and puts on the dressing gown) Home, sweet home! they may well say “there’s no place like home.” (wrapping the gown round him) Ullo! why, it fits me like a sack. How I must have fallen away in the Crimea.
Enter MRS. BOBBINS, C. from L.
MRS. BOBBINS. (speaking as she comes in, without seeing BROWN down L.) I think, my dear, I have found—(they stare at each other)
VAN. (aside) Good gracious—I can’t be mistaken! My travelling companion.
MRS. BOBBINS. (aside) The foreign looking gentleman I met in the train—in my husband’s dressing gown! Why, he must have followed me home.