Nio. (following him slightly C.) Why yield to her when we might ostracise her?
Dunn. Because she’ll call in the police—if she hasn’t already done so.
Nio. Perlice? Is that some portion of the things we wear?
Dunn. No, no! Police—the Police—the gentlemen who guide and direct us—of whom we enquire the time—the officers of justice. They keep the peace—where nobody can find it.
Nio. Ah, the custodians of law and order? (Dunn nods affirmatively) Why, we have but to fill their hands with bribes.
Dunn. What! They were the same in the old time! We’ve trouble enough in the house without getting the police in. Of course, you couldn’t foresee the mischief you were doing, but you’ve ruined me. (Niobe starts) Yes, ruined me. My wife will leave me, and my family be scattered to the fore and hind quarters of the globe.
Crosses R. and rests head against side of screen.
Nio. (sees and takes paper knife from table) If I have wrecked your pleasure, let me die. You gave new life to me; ’tis yours, take it away.
Kneeling, offering paper knife with outstretched hands.
Dunn. With a paper knife! You can’t remove existence in that off-handed way. You’re flesh and blood now and it would be murder. If you were only electrified back to stone now, if you were only stone dead.