Dunn. Yes, but I never attempt to prejudice them in my favour, I’ll explain to you another time, when I’m not so busy; I have to telegraph the real governess, to stop away, or we are ruined.
Nio. I don’t know Telegraph—what is it, Petramos?
Dunn. Why—oh—it’s a machine—er—on which you tick, tick, tick, tick at one end, and the same tick ticks are heard at the other end, and the tick ticks tell whatever you are thinking, to the party you’re tick, tick, ticking to.
Nio. Oh Petramos! you treat me like a child. Am I so foolish that you mock my ignorance?
Weeps and falls on Dunn’s shoulder, embracing him; Carrie and Helen enter at back C.
Dunn. She’s at it again. Don’t cry—there’s no money in it. I wasn’t fooling you. Cheer up! there’s a darling. (stroking her hair) Poor little woman! (Carrie down R.; Dunn sees her, pretends not to see her) My dear young lady, you shall be treated with every kindness, my wife is gentleness itself. I’m sure if my wife were here—oh, you are there, Caroline.
Car. (R., indignantly) Yes, I am here!
Dunn. Come to this poor girl, she’s homesick.
Hel. (coming down L.) And needs consolation, I observe.
At the sound of Helen’s voice Niobe recoils, back centre.