MRS. SCHUYLER: (Opening it.) From my husband.
BETTY: I'm afraid it's bad news.
MRS. SCHUYLER: Bad news! P'raps he's coming home earlier than I expected. (Reads:) "Dear Becky!"
ALL THE MEN: Becky!
MRS. SCHUYLER: Yes, we met at Arverne! "I have heard of your carrying on with four old sweethearts: Had it been one, I would have killed him quietly and let the matter drop, but four are too many. I shall kill them all and divorce you. Expect me at ten.—Hamilton." Oh, gentlemen, this is awful—Hamilton is unlike most men—he means what he says—
PAUL: (Following.) But surely you can find a few more to help us defend ourselves.
MRS. SCHUYLER: Ah, you don't know Hamilton. When he's angry, an army couldn't withstand him.
DOWLEH: If your husband kills, I will kill him.
MRS. SCHUYLER: Ah, that doesn't worry me—but he may cut my allowance.
DUDLEY: (Following.) We must save you from such a fate.