Ah, step-mater, I've been looking all over the place for you. (Noticing the open paper on the floor where Cherry has dropped it, and, taking in the facts, he looks from one to the other. Then picks up paper, folds it, and puts in his pocket.) Finding out the truth about Ben, I see. Always a very painful matter finding out the truth about people.
MRS. BEN DIXON.
Theodore, your step-father's a scoundrel.
THEODORE TRAVERS.
Don't put him down to me, mater. He wasn't my selection. You chose him for me.
MRS. BEN DIXON.
Why did you ever let me marry him? You must have seen through him. You're the old experienced person. Why didn't you warn your poor silly step-mother? Why didn't you stop me?
THEODORE TRAVERS.
My dear Bella, if I were to advise everybody, and they were to follow my advice, the world would become so intensely sensible as to be utterly uninteresting. Besides, there's really nothing much to be upset about. You see, fortunately, the lady was a strong woman. Now, if she had been a weak one, why——