DEX. Clara, my dear!
CLARA. And perhaps it will be better, Mr. Rollitt, for me to take this opportunity of ending our relationship by telling you that I am already married. (Crosses l.)
ALLEN. (Starts hack.) Married!
DEX. (c. frantic and jumping about and screaming and hissing the words out.) She ain’t. It’s a lie. Don’t believe her. She ain’t. She ain’t. (Goes c. Clara to l.) It’s only a trick to try your love. Ah, you hussy! It’s all been planned. This is all part of it. She ain’t married. We planned it to test your love for her. Ah, you beast! I’ll strangle you. I’ll murder you. She’s only trying it on to see what you say. It’s a trick. Don’t believe her. Don’t believe her.
CLARA. And have been for the last three years.
DEX. (As before.) No, she ain’t been, Mr. Rollitt. It’s a lie—it’s a lie. It’s a lie. She says it to spite her old father. Ah you devil, you—
ALLEN. Silence!
DEX. (Cowed, but continuing in nervous undertone.) She’s not married. I’m her father.
ALLEN. (Pointing to door c.) And leave the room—afore I forget thee art an old man. (Turns him r.Backs Dex. up to c. door.)
DEX. (Slinks out muttering.) She ain’t married! It’s a lie. It’s a lie. (Repeats.)