Mrs. S. No excuses! If you don’t make a full confession of everything you did last night, never hope to be forgiven. I have only to open that door, and she will give me a full account herself, but I prefer to hear it from your guilty lips! Go on!
Sel. (with an effort). Well, Bella! Last night, feeling lonely, I wandered down Knightsbridge way, and dropped in on Dobbinson—and that’s all! (Pulling up suddenly.)
Mrs. S. That’s not all! Shall I open the door?
Sel. (anxiously). No! no! Well, after dinner, feeling unwell, the salmon had disagreed with me, I think—I started to walk home—and—and—that’s all!
Mrs. S. (sternly). Go on, sir!
Sel. (piteously). I was near the Marble Arch when I heard footsteps behind me—female footsteps—I turned and beheld a lady—so—I—I—hastily fled—and that’s all!
Mrs. S. Sir! It is not all!
Sel. Isn’t it? If you know so much about it, why ask me?
Mrs. S. I mean to make you feel ashamed of yourself! Go on!
Sel. She asked me the way to Ludgate Hill—and that is all!