Dunn. Yes, it’s seven to one against me; but I decline to be the outsider. (sits L.)
Corn. Well, don’t be too hasty in deciding—think it over. I shall not pack my traps till I hear from you, and I rely on your good sense to show you the value of my suggestions; Peter, you nearly worried me that time.
Corney exits R. I. D.
Dunn. Why! Why didn’t I tell the truth at first, as Niobe suggested. It might not have been believed; it wouldn’t have been, but I could have stuck to it instead of floundering about, and getting up to my neck in a quicksand of equivocation. (rises, going C.) If I can only get a dress made for her to go out in, I’ll send her to my sister, Mabel—who would believe whatever I might tell her. (turns to table back to audience)
Enter Niobe R. U. E.—comes down R. C.
Nio. (not seeing Dunn when first entering) Ah me! I would I were a stone again! Anything were better than to suffer such indignities as now I meet. Petramos! you will remove my cares as Eos lifts the sable pall of night.
Dunn. I don’t know anything of Knight’s pall. Don’t talk undertaking business. What is it?
Nio. That daughter of Athena claims these robes, the which you gave me yester e’en.
Dunn. Oh well, for the sake of peace give them to her. Avoid war if you can. There’s no money in it. (goes L.)