Pete. I 'clar to goodness, Miss 'Melia, I don't know.
Miss A. You do. You have done something to my dear little pet. I know you have. (notices smoke, elevates head, then looks at Pete) Who has been smoking in this room? (removes her gaze from Pete, and looks around room overhead. Pete catches Daisy by arm with right hand)
Pete. (aside) Don't tell on me, an' I'll help yo' to find dem letters. (aloud) I don't know, Miss 'Melia, guess it's de 'roma from de gem'men's Herbana's ob last night you smell. I don't notice it, do yo', Daisy? (aside) Say, no, quick, or I'm a gone goslin'. (quickly changes cigar to right hand, placing left fingers in mouth, and making a wry face. Goes down R.)
Miss A. I wish, Daisy, you would have the rooms properly aired after the horrid men leave. Now, Pete, I want you to go and bring Fido to me this instant.
Pete. (quickly changing from one foot to the other, shaking and blowing his fingers, and keeping up his facial contortions) I tole yo' I didn't know whar he was. I ain't seen him since last night. (aside) Blame de cigar.
Miss A. That's a falsehood, and you know it. (notices Pete's unrest) Why, what is the matter with you?
Pete. I stuck a pin clar froo my finger.
Miss A. You wicked boy, it serves you right for telling stories.
Enter Helen, L. 2 E., with Fido.
Helen. Oh, Auntie, I found Fido down town in this terrible plight, being dragged around by a nasty organ grinder. (Miss A. springs forward the instant she sees Fido; tears the hat, jacket and collar off and throws them on floor; gathers him in her arms)