Stella (calls across). Walter, here’s a parcel—Walter!
(Automaton enters door L., but does not come out, she sees him.)
Walter, why have you left Jack? Is anything wrong?
Automaton. Yow! (Turns and goes in again D.L.)
Stella (crossing to the door). Walter! (Door shuts.) How very polite of you! Are you changing? (Voice off says, “Yow.”) Oh, very well, if you won’t answer me. I’m in the drawing-room all alone!
(Has crossed back to R., and goes in.)
Automaton (enters L.). Tick-chuck-yow. (Goes up, hits door of cupboard twice.) Chuck-yow-yow.
(Goes to recess, knocks over a chair, hits clock, etc., and goes into china cupboard in recess L. A loud noise of smashing of crockery off. Stella through this is playing and singing same air as before.)
(Walter comes in D. in F., as soon as ever he can, walking quite quietly as contrast to the very quick exit of Automaton. Brown jacket.)
Walter (comes to table R., calling). Stella! I want you. Stella!