S. That’s strange. The bell rang distinctly, and so loud that I thought you was in a hurry.
Mr. B. Well, it’s of no consequence. I don’t need anything.
(Exit Servant, R.)
Mr. B. (pacing the room and soliloquizing). What have I done? Engaged myself to this widow, notwithstanding all my resolutions to the contrary. But something must be done about it. What shall it be? I might leave town—but that would be cowardly. Besides, I shouldn’t want to shut up the house. I might write, saying I had changed my mind; but I’m afraid that wouldn’t be just the thing. (Paces back and forth a few moments without speaking.) The fact is, I shall be obliged to marry the widow. There seems to be no other way left me, after giving my promise to her. But I won’t say a word to Dick about it. (A pause.) After all, I might do a worse thing. She would be a credit to my establishment, and the presence of a woman would brighten up the house. I guess I must go there in the morning and talk the matter over.
(Curtain falls.)
Scene III.—Mrs. Payne’s sitting-room. Mrs. Payne present sewing, R. Mr. Bliss enters, L.
Mrs. P. Good-morning, Mr. Bliss.
Mr. B. Good-morning, and a charming morning it is. I came, Mrs. Payne, to speak further on the matter we were talking of last evening.
Mrs. P. Last evening? You mean a week ago.
Mr. B. No, I mean last evening.