JUDGE. I ought to know, I who have had to witness all the rottenness, and who have been forced to pass the death sentence. That is why the mob hates me, just as if I had made the laws——
OLD LADY. It doesn't matter what the people say, if you have only a clean conscience—[Three loud knocks are heard from the inside of the biggest wardrobe] What was that? Who is there?
JUDGE. Oh, it was that wardrobe. It always cracks when there is rain coming. [Three distinct knocks are heard again.
OLD LADY. It's some kind of performance started by that strolling charlatan.
The cover of the coffee-pot which AMELIA was cleaning, opens and drops down again with a bang; this happens several times in succession.
JUDGE. What was that, then?
OLD LADY. Oh, yes, it's that same juggler. He can play tricks, but he can't scare me. [The coffee-pot acts as before.
JUDGE. Do you think he is one of those mesmerists?
OLD LADY. Well, whatever it happens to be called——
JUDGE. If that's so, how can he know our private secrets?