(She lies down on lounge, in right-hand room, and covers herself with a blanket. A moment after, Mrs. L. looks into Flora’s room and seems satisfied at seeing her apparently asleep. She goes out into left-hand room. A tap is heard at outer door of left-hand room. Exit Mrs. L.)
F. Hark! what noise is that? (Assumes a listening attitude.)
(Voices of Mrs. L. and Mr. P. are heard from behind the scenes.)
Mrs. L. (outside). I am glad you are so punctual. Everything is in readiness. I just looked into Flora’s room and found she was fast asleep.
Mr. P. (in rather a high key). Where shall I go to arrange my costume?
Mrs. L. (deprecatingly). Hush! you mustn’t speak so loud, as her door is ajar. Come with me, and we’ll soon have you fitted out.
(They enter left-hand room cautiously. A sheet lies unfolded on a chair. This Mrs. L. drapes around her companion. He gathers it together so as to conceal his clothes.)
Mrs. L. It will never do to allow your features to show so plainly. You are only Alfred Percival, after all. Flora would recognize you at once.
Mr. P. Suppose I put the sheet over my head? (Does so.) Is that any improvement?
Mrs. L. Yes; but still I think your features would betray you. Let me think a moment. I have it. I will get Mr. Willis’s wig; that will be just the thing.