MRS. MAJOR. And at last he has actually had the effrontery to write to me. A groom called just now with a letter, and was in the act of giving it to Mary, with strict injunctions to deliver it to me, and to me only, when my husband suddenly appeared and snatched the letter out of his hand.
FANNY (aside). Something more for me to do! I shall never get my work done here!
MRS. MAJOR. He must have read the letter by this time! Oh, what, what will he think of me? But here he comes! and what a dreadful temper he looks in!
Enter MAJOR hurriedly at C., looking very wild and agitated, a letter in his hand; comes forward.
MAJOR (folding his arms and assuming a tragic attitude). So, madam; I repeat “So, madam!” You may tremble at the sight of your hitherto too confiding but now indignant husband!
MRS. MAJOR. But, Jeremiah dear—
MAJOR. Don’t “Jeremiah dear” me! Are you aware, unhappy woman, that I might give you in charge to the police? No, I don’t mean that—that I might insist on a separation? or call your ignoble accomplice out and shoot him?—which I would do, if I were sure he wouldn’t shoot me! But no! I prefer to expose, to unmask you!
Enter MRS. PELICAN hastily at C., followed by DOCTOR.
MRS. P. What is all this disturbance about? What has happened?
MAJOR. You’ve arrived just in time! I only wish the entire universe were assembled in this breakfast-room to hear me!