The Magistrate: A Farce in Three Acts

by Arthur Wing Pinero

[Popping his head in.] The police—coming.

[Cis disappears behind the window-curtain. Mr. Posket dives under the table.

Agatha Posket.

Oh!

Mr. Posket.

[To Agatha Posket in a whisper.] I beg your pardon. I think I am addressing a lady. I am entirely the victim of circumstances. Accept my apologies for this apparent intrusion. [No answer.] Madam, I applaud your reticence, though any statement made under the present circumstances would not be used against you. Where is that boy? Oh! Madam, it may be acute nervousness on your part, but you are certainly pinching my arm.

[There is the sound of heavy feet outside, then Messiter, a gruff matter-of-fact Inspector of Police, enters, followed by Harris, a constable, and Achille Blond.

Blond.

You need not trouble yourself—take my word for it.