You seem in some excitement, Emily?
Emily (wildly). You, Peter!... tell me—have you found a pin?
Peter (with deadly calm). Unhappy girl—I have! (To Bridesmaids.) Withdraw awhile,
And should we need you, we will summon you.
[Exeunt Bridesmaids; Emily and Peter stand facing each other for some moments in dead silence.
The pin is found—for I have trodden on it,
And may, for aught I know, be lamed for life.
Speak, Emily, what is that maid's desert
Whose carelessness has led to this mishap?
Emily (in the desperate hope of shielding herself).
Why, should the fault he traced to any maid,
Instant dismissal shall be her reward,
With a month's wages paid in lieu of notice!
Peter (with a passionless severity).
From your own lips I judge you, Emily.
Did they not own just now that you had heard
The falling of a pin—yet heeded not?
Behold the outcome of your negligence!
[Extends his injured foot.
Emily. Oh, let me kiss the place and make it well!
Peter (coldly withdrawing foot). Keep your caresses till I ask for them.
My wound goes deeper than you wot of yet,
And by that disregarded pin is pricked
The iridescent bubble of Illusion!