Mr. G. (sharply). No. (Mrs. G. opens the door, preparatory to going out.) Mrs. Grover, I have invited two gentlemen to dine with me to-morrow, and it will be your duty to prepare dinner for them. You will receive articles from the market by nine o’clock. You understand me, do you not?
Mrs. G. Perfectly.
Mr. G. And know what I expect?
Mrs. G. Certainly.
Mr. G. And you understand also, that I am a man of my word.
Mrs. G. I am very happy to hear it. I have always considered it a very desirable quality.
(Exeunt Mrs. Grover and her mother, R.)
Mr. G. (complacently soliloquizes). I think that will settle the matter. If Mrs. Grover married me with the idea of being a fine lady, and having an easy time, she is quite mistaken. I don’t intend to encourage female insubordination. I believe the man was made to govern, the wife to obey. If more husbands had my firmness, things would go on a little better in the world. But it isn’t everybody that has my tact at governing.
(Curtain falls.)
Scene IV.—Dining-room at Mr. Grover’s. The table is laid for four persons. Mr. Farwell, R., Mr. Huntly, L., and Mr. Grover, C., present.