FANNY (goes to the Judge, stopping her ears while Onfroy talks; then tearfully) Judge Critty, you’re the only one with the least chivalry. Why should I be abused so? Because I want my husband to have some pleasure in life? Instead of frowsing in smelly chemicals all day—risking his life—
VANILLITY
Oh, no, my dear Miss Felix! Oh, no! (Eagerly) No risk!—Not the slightest! It’s as peaceful, as harmless as—as—
[A succession of sharp reports like pistol-shots ring out. The folding-doors are thrown back and H. Addington Agnus stumbles in backward and sits down, staring blankly, seeing nothing. Smoke arises from the laboratory. As it clears away, Agnus rushes back again, examines something through a microscope.
FANNY (sharply)
Addington, stop making yourself ridiculous. (She goes into the laboratory and shakes him)
AGNUS (comes to, as one who has been in a trance)
My own—my darling! (Embraces her)
FANNY (wriggling)
Addington! There are peo—(muffled by kiss)—ple here, I tell you—(Releases herself)