(Exit Dibbs, R. U. E.
Sel. (aside). Let me see, I must call on this bloodthirsty poet to begin with—Dibbs! Where’s that felt hat?
Enter Dibbs with felt hat and umbrella.
Dibbs. Here you are, sir! and here’s a letter, sir, just brought by a commissionaire—marked important, he says it’s from a young lady.
Sel. Give it to me! (Reading envelope.) “Fred Bellamy, Esq.” perhaps its from the girl to whom I gave his name last night! Shall I open it? Yes! He saved my life, and from that moment he gave me the right to——(Reading.) Great Scott! “Bond street. Darling, Come to me at once! I have told father all about it; he is not so angry as I expected! Remember what you said last night! Come—straight to him as you promised and explain all.—Your loving Lottie. P. S.—If you don’t come, I shall call on you, as of course there will be no occasion for secrecy now, so you won’t want me to keep away!” This is a nice state of things! I must go to her. Where does she live? (Looking at letter.) Bond street! It’s an elongated thoroughfare, but never mind, I must find her or her appearance here would cause me to contemplate suicide! (He puts down letter on table; springs up and down as if looking for something; he unconsciously puts on hat.) First, I must go to Bond street, and apologize to this “Lottie,” then I must call on the passionate poet and explain—no, I’m mixing them up. It’s the poet I have to apologize to and the girl I have got to keep quiet! Dibbs, where is my hat? (Looks all over room.)
Dibbs. I gave it to you, sir—why, you have got it on!
Sel. So I have! (While they have been looking for hat, Mrs. Selwyn has come in L. U. E. and carelessly taken up open letter Selwyn put down; as she reads her expression changes from indifference to anger. Selwyn turns and sees her, then stands aghast. Music piano until end of act; then forte.)
Mrs. S. (severely). Whose is this? (Holding up letter, C.)
Sel. Mine! I mean—yours! (Dibbs laughs; Selwyn pelts him.)
Mrs. S. (sobbing). You men are all alike, I’ll have a divorce!