Exit, dragging off LYNX, L. H.
[SCENE III.]
A Drawing Room; in the centre a large loo-table, on which is set out a complete dessert; all the party are discovered; CODDLE occupies the R. H. corner, in an easy-chair; MRS. LYNX is seated beside him; next to her is MR. YOUNGHUSBAND and MR. DISMAL; MRS. DOVE and MR. LYNX sit together, MRS. DISMAL next to him, then MRS. CODDLE, and MRS. YOUNGHUSBAND; MR. DOVE occupies the L. H. corner.
All, (but CODDLE and LYNX).—Astonishing! to keep the matter a secret so long. Strange! strange!
Lynx. Now, let us drop the subject. Mrs. Coddle, I trust that you will not respect or love your husband the less, for this late disclosure?
Mrs. Cod. Oh! no, no; I merely feel hurt that he should have thought it necessary to have concealed the circumstance. Had I been a violent, jealous, bad-tempered woman, there might have been some cause for secresy; but as every body knows what a kind, indulgent creature I really am, he might have made me his confidant! and the poor girl should have been brought home. Where is she now?
Lynx. Quite safe, depend upon it; I will explain all at another opportunity.
Mrs. Ly. (Aside.)—Falsehood, all falsehood! I’m convinced.
Lynx. (To his wife.)—Now, my dear, I trust you are perfectly satisfied; and in this instance, I hope, you will confess that you were in error.