The Schoolmistress: A Farce in Three Acts

by Arthur Wing Pinero

[Outside.'] Mr. Saunders!

SAUNDERS.

Here, sir.

[Peggy makes a bolt out of the room. Saunders goes to the door, and returns with Rankling. Rankling is in evening dress, overcoat, and muffler, and is much out if breath.]

RANKLING.

Ah, Mr. Queckett, how do you do? We haven't met anywhere lately; I've been away, you know.

QUECKETT.

I am delighted to renew our acquaintance, Admiral Rankling.

RANKLING.

[Puffing.] Mr. Mallory suggested that we should smoke our last cigar at your lodgings. I can't stay, for I've a long distance to drive home. At least, I suppose I have, for I really don't know quite where we are. What quarter of London have you brought me to, Mr. Mallory? Oh, thank ye! [He turns to Saunders, who is offering to remove his overcoat. The door is slightly opened, and the heads of all the girls are seen. ]