Sel. (aside to Fred). Claim it!
Fred (to Mrs. Selwyn). It’s mine!
Sel. (excitedly). Yes, it’s Fred’s. (He snatches it and claps it on Fred’s head, being too large it “bonnets” him.)
Mrs. S. (in astonishment). Surely, it cannot be!
Dibbs (coming between Mr. Selwyn and Mrs. Selwyn, aside). I must pull them through again, or they’ll make a mess of it! (Aloud.) No, sir, this is the hat you brought from the club last night! I know it well, ma’am, name of Tompkins inside—the master left his own behind and brought this one home instead! Mr. Bellamy was only taking of it back. (Winks at Mr. Selwyn; aside.)
Sel. (relieved; aside). This boy’s a lovely liar! (Aloud.) Yes!
Fred. Yes!
Mrs. S. Why not have said so at first, dear?
Sel. Oh, I was going to, but Dibbs put me out! (Aside to Dibbs.) You shall have a sovereign for that taradiddle!
Dibbs (aside to Selwyn). It was the truth!