Mr. S. (eagerly). Did you bring them back with you?
B. No, sir, they’ve eaten ’em up. Ann McKay said Mrs. Smith thought somebody sent ’em as a present. But she told me privately that they had dinner an hour earlier than usual.
Mr. S. A present indeed! They knew very well it was a mistake, and took occasion to eat their dinner earlier, in order to have a nice meal before the mistake could be rectified. Bridget, take the corned beef and cabbage over, and tell them we have no use for it. Then come back and open all the windows, and see if we cannot get rid of this intolerable smell.
Mrs. S. But what are we to have for dinner?
Mr. S. Boiled eggs—some of yesterday’s roast—or anything you may happen to have in the house. For my part, I haven’t any appetite now.
(Exit Bridget, R. Curtain falls.)
Scene III.—Mrs. Smith’s sitting-room. Mrs. S. present, C.
Mrs. S. (soliloquizing). I don’t see where Mr. Smith can be. It is seldom he is out so late. (Calls the servant, who is passing the door.) Bridget!
B. (enters, R.). Yes, mum.
Mrs. S. Did Mr. Smith say where he was going when he left home?