Inn. Knew you’d think I hadn’t tried, if I didn’t find out something; so obtained the address of Sister, at a situation in Chester—went to Chester; sister had left—referred to a friend. Miss Topping; found Topping; worked round stealthily to subject, but the moment I mentioned Ethel’s name, Miss T. shut up like an Oyster; no news there, except that Ethel’s sister, Madeline Mifton——
Corn. Yes!
Inn. Had gone to a situation as governess, in London. Resigned a good situation, for “some ridiculous notion”—that’s what Miss T. called it—of coming to London—to look up—or hunt down—a young man to whom her sister was or had been engaged.
Corn. (delighted) Ridiculous notion! Good for Topping! She might as well search for a needle in a haystack—I’m safe enough.
Knock; Mary crosses from R. to L. at back.
Inn. I wonder she didn’t pursue you herself, instead of putting the sister on your track.
Corn. Well, Ethel is something like myself—she cannot stand worry.
Door slam; enter Mary C. from L.; Innings goes to R. of table.
Mary. Mr. Tompkins!
Corn. Show him in, and I’ll send Mr. Dunn to him. (Mary exits to L.; Corney goes over to door R.) Peter! Here’s Mr. Tompkins—I’m going to the Theatre Phil, so I can’t stop and entertain you. I’m immensely tickled with the idea of the Sister coming to London to hunt me down. I shall think of nothing else all the evening.