Dunn. (L. H.) I suppose not! We might go round electrifying all the Art museums; on the off chance; there may be friends of yours in Greece, if you could only go back to Greece, and burrow for them. (sits R.)
Nio. (coming back of table) Zeus! How desolate I am—(to Dunn) Your only thought is to be rid of me. (weeps on table)
Dunn. (R. of table) She’s at it again! No, I don’t wish to be rid of you; if I could only see some way to manage it—I should be glad for you to remain.
Nio. (raising her head) Could I not stay then, as your wife?
Dunn. Umph! If I wasn’t already suited. I’ve told you I have a wife?
Nio. But one! The law of Thebes allows two wives.
Dunn. But the law of England doesn’t; and I should consider it a dangerous experiment if it did; besides there are other interests in the concern. My wife would be sure to object; and her sister would howl with indignation. (crosses L., up stage in fear of interruption.)
Nio. The sour face! (R. C.) We could invoke the gods to strike her dumb.
Dunn. The gods don’t amount to a row of pins, or I should have put ’em on to Helen long ago! (Dunn sits on footstool C.) You’re the Governess, that’s what they’ve been told and that’s what we have to keep up; till we can make other arrangements.
Nio. Say clearly then, what is a Governess?