Dinah—young ladies—[pointing to Queckett]—Uncle Vere!
ERMYNTRUDE AND GWENDOLINE.
[Together.] Uncle Vere! Uncle Vere! [Queckett tries to maintain his dignity, and pushes the girls from him. Tyler, with Jane, is seen letting off a squib in the hall.]
END OF THE FIRST ACT.
THE SECOND ACT
The scene is a plain-looking schoolroom t Miss Dyott's. Outside the two windows runs a narrow balcony, and beyond are seen the upper stories and roofs of the opposite houses. There are two doors facing each other. The room is decorated for the occasion with holly and evergreen, and a table is laid with supper. Peggy is standing on a chair, with a large hammer in her hand, nailing up holly.
PEGGY.
[Surveying her work.] There! I'm sure Miss Dyott wouldn't recognise the dull old class-rooms. [Descending.] I think it's time I dressed. [Queckett enters slowly; he is in a perfectly fitting evening dress, with a flower in his button-hole, but looks much depressed. He and Peggy regard each other for a moment silently.] Oh, I'm so glad you're ready early! How good it makes one feel, giving pleasure to others—doesn't it? Aren't you well?