ALLEN. (Soothing her.) It’s all right, mother, the Baron only means it complimentary. Thee’st supposed to look too young to be anybody’s mother. He has to take (Clara sits r.) thee for my sister. (Laughing—goes up l. c. with Dex.)
BARON. Ja—I take you for his sister. Ach, you English ladies, you never seem to get more old—you only get more round, more—more jolly.
MRS. R. (Still indignant.) Ah—foolishness. (Ruffling her dress and sitting very stiff l. on sofa.)
BARON. (Sitting on sofa beside her.) It must be de climate keep you so moist. (Drawing closer.) I knew a man, he lives in your Manchester, and—(goes on talking to Mrs. R. but is not heard.)
(Allen goes up and joins Col. Dex. up l. c. and Clara. After a little while Col. Dex. appropriates him, leaving Clara a little to r.of them unnoticed. Guss. continues talking to Deb. Deb. evidently bored and anxious to get away. Guss. trying to be very agreeable. At this point when all the others are occupied, Luke r. beckons Clara to him and she crosses. Their conversation is in eager undertone and they watch to see that no one is noticing them.)
LUKE. Have you got him to join yet?
CLARA. No—he kicks against it.
LUKE. If his name isn’t down in the list of directors before Monday I shall be arrested.
CLARA. Can’t you get away?
LUKE. No, I’m watched night and day. If he joins, the company will float and it will be all right.