HECTOR. Alfred! [He runs back to the door and calls into the garden]. Randall, Mangan's Christian name is Alfred.
RANDALL [appearing in the starboard doorway in evening dress]. Then Hesione wins her bet.
Mrs Hushabye appears in the port doorway. She throws her left arm round Hector's neck: draws him with her to the back of the sofa: and throws her right arm round Lady Utterword's neck.
MRS HUSHABYE. They wouldn't believe me, Alf.
They contemplate him.
MANGAN. Is there any more of you coming in to look at me, as if I was the latest thing in a menagerie?
MRS HUSHABYE. You are the latest thing in this menagerie.
Before Mangan can retort, a fall of furniture is heard from upstairs: then a pistol shot, and a yell of pain. The staring group breaks up in consternation.
MAZZINI'S VOICE [from above]. Help! A burglar! Help!
HECTOR [his eyes blazing]. A burglar!!!