Warden. There are reasons why my name had better not appear; you are in the family. But I'll tell you what I'll do, Trotter; I'll secure you with a note of my own—only you must keep it dark; you mustn't even let Mason know.

Trotter. All right, perhaps I'm a Dodo bird, but I'll do it. Say, I seem to have married a good many of this classy family!

Warden. Trotter, no one's done you justice! And, by George! you deserve a better fate—er—I mean—my best wishes on your wedding day.

[Trotter shakes his hand delightedly.

Trotter. Great day for me! What I wanted was style and position, and some one classy who would know how to spend my money for me!

Warden. Well, you've got that, surely!

[Clara comes back from the house.

Clara. The Godesbys are coming. Trotter, there's skating on the river near here, and they've skates in the house—don't you want a spin?

Trotter. Yes, I don't mind—if my wife doesn't need me! [Clara laughs as Godesby and Miss Godesby enter from behind the house. Trotter meets them, with Clara on his arm.] Excuse us for a little while!

Clara. Poppa and I're going skating!