[He joins Vida.
Nogam. [To Sir Wilfrid.] Yes, sir. [The outside door opens and Fiddler walks in.
Fiddler. [Easy and business-like.] Hello, Nogam, where's the guv'nor? That mare's off her oats, and I've got to see him.
Nogam. He'll soon be here.
Fiddler. Who was the parson I met leaving the house?
Nogam. [Whispering.] Sir Wilfrid and Mrs. Phillimore have a date with the guv'nor in the dining-room, and the reverend gentleman— [He makes a gesture as of giving an ecclesiastical blessing.
Fiddler. [Amazed.] He hasn't spliced them? [Nogam assents.] He has? They're married? Never saw a parson could resist it!
Nogam. Yes, but I've got another piece of news for you. Who do you think the Rev. Phillimore expected to find here?
Fiddler. [Proud of having the knowledge.] Mrs. Karslake? I saw her headed this way in a hansom with a balky horse only a minute ago. If she hoped to be in at the finish—
[Fiddler is about to set the chair on its legs.