Oh! I was thinking, my dear, that unfortunately there is no mother to receive you now. I’m only an old bachelor, and you’ll be—er—give me a word.

Mrs. Parbury.

[Kisses him, and goes to door, L. She looks across the room at her husband, and then whispers to herself.] He’ll never let me go.

[Exit, L.

Parbury.

[To Gunning.] She’ll not go, my dear fellow.

Gunning.

Humph! You think not? Anyway, I must,

Parbury.

Don’t.