Dolby. Help! murder! help! (Runs in through door C., turns and shuts door; puts his back against it.) Hallo! what’s the matter here?
Mrs. C. So, sir, you have deceived me. And this lady is—
Charles. Your aunt, Mrs. Captain Bobstay.
Bobstay. ’Tis false!
Persis. Boliver! my own—(approaching him.)
Bobstay. No, nothing of the kind, madam. You married me and I married you under a mistake. When you can bring me convincing proof of the death of your husband Spanker,—a leg or an arm of the aforesaid will be sufficient proof,—I am ready to talk business. Till then, madam, I am free.
Persis. Boliver—
Bobstay. O, I shall boil over if you are not silent (sits at table R., takes up paper; reads. Miss Persis moves about him, trying to get sight of his face; he keeps the paper before him).
Charles. Now, Mrs. Cleverly, having cleared myself to your satisfaction, I hope—(sees Dolby) Hallo! Dolby, what are you doing there?
Dolby. Fact is, Charley, I’ve shot something!