MRS. R. Oh, I’ve made up my mind for a walk.
DEB. Yes, we would both rather walk. Will you give your arm to aunty, Mr. Gussett? (Guss. crosses to c.) And be very careful of her at the crossings, because she’s rather nervous, and so am I.
DEB. (r.c. handing the basket to Guss.) You won’t mind carrying the basket, will you, Mr. Gussett, because it’s so heavy? (He takes it bewildered and helpless.)
(As Guss., Deb. and Mrs. R. reach door c., enter Allen and Clara l. upper e.)
ALLEN. Hulloa! Where be thee off to?
DEB. Down Regent street, and up—Piccadilly, I think you call it. Good-bye.
(Exeunt Mrs. R., Deb. and Guss. c.)
CLARA. (Comes l. laughing.) I should like to be there to see the Hon. Tom Gussett at the crossings.
ALLEN. (Half amused, half cross.) Ah, her be a madcap, her be, that girl. What makes thee so anxious that I should join the company?
CLARA. (Sitting l. on sofa, Allen stands by her, behind sofa, leaning over.) Why, don’t you see, poor papa could be secretary if you joined. They would let you nominate him, and we should be so glad to be earning something—(very low)—and we are so poor. (Laying her hand on him.) Do join, Allen, for my sake.