(Hilda appears in door l. and listens intently, unnoticed by the others.)
Mr. B. He's too old.
Mr. T. Oh, no, merely a dignified age for a girl so conservatively reared as Hilda has been. She is much in advance of her years, I assure you.
Mr. B. (pacing the floor thoughtfully). I don't like it.
Mr. T. I think it a most suitable match, and I am intending to present the happy pair with my most precious heirloom—the Templeton teapot.
(Hilda disappears.)
Mr. B. (sitting down). Now, Fanny had always planned Hilda for Eric—her brother, you know. By the way, we've just received a wire saying that he was coming this evening. I don't know just what time to expect him, for he comes and goes like a streak of lightning. I'll be glad to bring him over and introduce him.
Mr. T. Do, by all means. I know him well by reputation. His collection of antiques is very valuable.
Mr. B. Finest private collection in Massachusetts. Eric will hardly leave it. He's never even been to see us since we moved here. But come over to see my burglar alarm. I've just set it. It's going to revolutionize the catching of burglars in this country.
Enter Mrs. Fanny Burnett, r., hurriedly.