VAN. (throwing her off, L.) Imagine—false woman—imagine! Ha, ha, ha! but don’t suppose that I mind it. (throwing BOBBINS round to L.) Take your vile cabinet maker—don’t think I’m going to commit suicide. No, no—I’ve a friend in a corner that will console me. She loves me to distraction. She followed me all the way from the Waterloo Station. I’ll run off with her before your eyes. Come in, madam, come in—there’s no occasion to hide yourself any longer.
Goes to R. D., and brings out MRS. BOBBINS, who opposes him in confusion.
AUGUS. My wife!
MRS. BROWN. Mrs. Bobbins!
VAN. Mrs. Bobbins! is he (pointing to BOBBINS) your husband?
MRS. BOBBINS. (aside to VANDYKE.) Hush! hush! don’t say a word about having met me on the railway before my husband.
VAN. (to MRS. BOBBINS) So you’re his wife! So much the better! It’s poetical justice! You have overheard all, I suppose? (pointing to MRS. BROWN) You see who he has given you up for—my wife!
MRS. BOBBINS. Your wife? (aside) This can’t be true!
VAN. My wife—my infamous wife, who I resign in your favour.
MRS. BROWN. (L. crying) Oh! Vandyke, Vandyke! after all my tried affection for you!