Sel. Do you generally dust the air?
Dibbs. Dust everything, sir. (Aside.) Dash that cigar! It ain’t out! (He pulls it secretly from trousers’ pocket and again endeavors to extinguish it.)
Sel. Is Mr. Bellamy about yet?
Dibbs. Not yet, sir.
Sel. Go and call him; say I want to speak to him at once.
Dibbs. Yessir! (Returning.) As a rule he ain’t partial to being called before eleven, sir!
Sel. Rubbish! I always encourage early rising! When I am up first myself!
Dibbs (aside). The boss is in a bad temper, perhaps he’s had the nightmare! (Dibbs knocks at door, L. 2 E. Sleepy voice replies, “What the devil do you want?”)
(Exit Dibbs, L. 2 E. entrance.
Sel. Not a moment is to be lost! My wife will be home by the first train and if she catches sight of this infernal tile she’ll ask questions. That’s the worst of wives, they will be so inquisitive! Damocles had a sword hanging over his head, I have a hat! (Putting hat on secretaire.) Now to write to its owner. (Sitting at table.) “Sir, pardon my hastiness last evening”——