Mr. T. (pacing the floor in great agitation). Celia, are you crazy? Consider that teapot, which graced the tables of the English nobility in the seventeenth century when tea was first introduced into Europe, which passed into the hands of the Puritans in Cromwell's time, and was brought to this country in 1680, and which has been in our family for over two hundred years! Why, it's worth its weight ten times over in gold! (Picks up teapot and examines it lovingly.)
Mrs. T. I'm sure that no burglar would ever want it. My rings are another matter.
Sue. We'll have to sit up all night.
Mr. T. (replacing teapot on mantel). This shall not stay in the house another day. Fool that I have been to keep it so long.
Mrs. T. I'm more anxious about Hilda—out we know not where, and bandits on every corner. (Noise without.) Ah, here she is now. (Enter r., Hilda and Prof. Algernon Gates in street costumes, the latter perceptibly agitated.) Hilda, I'm so relieved that you have come. Good-evening, Professor.
Prof. G. (bowing nervously to every one). Good-evening. Oh, my dear Mrs. Templeton, such a painful experience for poor Miss Hilda!
Mrs. T. What has happened?
Mr. T. Some one please explain.
Prof. G. (sinking into a chair near Sue). A most horrible fright! (Mops his forehead.)