(Sir Joseph's voice is heard outside, talking to Mrs. Mar. Margaret starts and retreats to down C. Sir Joseph enters from R. talking to Mrs. Martelli.)
Sir J. (R. C.) Come, come, Mrs. Martelli, she didn't mean anything! She couldn't have, you know! (he sees Margaret) Ah, little girl, you there? Er—er—Mrs. Martelli and I—
Margaret. (C.) I go, guardian, I go! But—one word—for poor Miss Treable. She is the only friend I have in the world!
(She goes out L. 3 E.)
Sir J. (C.) There, you hear that? The only friend she has in the world! Now, can I send her away? (up to desk and sitting) I put it to you!
Mrs. Mar. (grimly) Every companion Miss Messilent has had has been her only friend. And let the lady stay by all means, Sir Joseph. (R. C.) Only you will permit me to take my departure.
Sir J. (very annoyed, sitting at his desk, taking up the rose and dropping it in the waste-paper basket) I wish that girl wouldn't let her confounded flowers trail all over the place! Why does she come in here? Can't I have one room in the house to myself?
Mrs. Mar. (picking up flowers which Margaret has dropped) That was precisely the cause of my altercation with Miss Treable, Sir Joseph. I found her inspecting the photographs on the mantelpiece.
Sir J. Confound her impudence! I'll say a word to her. We'd better keep the door locked in future, eh?
Mrs. Mar. (R. C. adamant) You will have to choose, Sir Joseph, between Miss Treable and me.