Mrs. C. (looking at it.) Say! What can I say? This in no way concerns me.
Charles. Indeed! And the picture?
Mrs. C. O, the picture. (Looks at it.) Why, it’s our Nelly.
Charles and Dolby. Our Nelly!
Nelly. Yes, our Nelly—who is answerable for all this mischief. She is the writer of the note—the unknown correspondent of our friend Mr. Dixon Dolby, Rosa Bean.
Dolby. Well, that’s clever (runs up to her, C.). How do you do (shakes hands). (They go to lounge and sit talking.)
Mrs. C. And you suspected me, Charley!
Charles. What could I do? Your aunt Bobstay brought me your picture, which somehow has mysteriously disappeared.
Bobstay (jumping up). “Mysteriously disappeared.” Hark! listen! (reads.) “All friends of the supposed-to-be-drowned Sylvester Spanker, especially his widow, are hereby notified that he has returned to his ship, the Venetian Red, and will sail this day for Valparaiso.” Ha, ha! ho, ho! He’s found, and I am free! Widow, I congratulate you.
Persis. Spanker alive! Thank fortune, I am no longer dependent on the cold charities of the world!