ALLEN. (Turning and seeing her, goes to fireplace R.) Hullo, thee’s back soon.
DEB. Yes, aunt met Mrs. Clouter just outside, so I pleaded a headache and left them. (Throwing off bonnet and shawl on chair and coming down.) Don’t you think Col. Dexter would like a game of billiards, Allen?
ALLEN. No, he’s all right—he’s smoking. (Crosses l.)
DEB. Oh, I’m sure he’d like a game (Clara motions Allen away), and I want to have a chat with Miss Dexter. We shan’t see each other after this morning for goodness knows how long.
ALLEN. (Moving away l.) Ah, I understand now. (Goes up stage l.) I’ll go, and you can tell each other about your new frocks.
(Exit Allen l., Clara goes c., Deb. l.c. and Clara look at each other.)
DEB. (After a pause.) I came back to see you, Miss Dexter, before you left.
CLARA. (Coldly.) It was very good of you.
DEB. I want to know whether you are playing the fool with Allen, or whether you mean to marry him.
CLARA. I have heard of that sort of question being put to a gentleman under certain circumstances. (Crosses to L.)