Margaret. (C. coyly) Sir Joseph!
Sir J. (on her L.) You will have to—er—drop that title soon, my dear and address me—er—less formally.
Margaret. Not yet, not yet! Give me time.
Sir J. (a little surprised) Certainly, certainly—but I trust it will not be too long. And now, one final word. My—er—guardianship will soon be at an end—but I have tried—to—er—fulfil its duties. And I trust that—er—er—you will never regret the—er—step—you are taking to-day!
(He goes to her, cordially holding out both his hands. Margaret is about to throw herself into his arms when the door opens and Mrs. Martelli appears R. 1 E. She pauses, aghast. Margaret with a smothered cry, rushes out of the room L. 3 E.)
Mrs. M. Sir Joseph! (R.)
Sir J. (C. gleefully) Well, Mrs. Martelli?
Mrs. M. (R. C. standing grimly on the threshold) I hope I do not intrude.
Sir J. (C.) By no means, by no means! We had finished! Ah, Mrs. Martelli, there will soon be an end to Miss Treable!
Mrs. Mar. (open-mouthed) Sir Joseph! (with suppressed indignation) I came to tell you that your clerk is still waiting below.