Unknown Man (in a scarcely audible voice). Bad, very bad.
Lady. Oh, heavens, and my husband is not here!
Little Girl (running in). Papa said he’ll get here in plenty of time. He’s playing chess.
Lady. Oh, heavens! Nellie, tell him he must come. I insist. But perhaps I had rather— Will he fall soon, Mr. Policeman? No? Nellie, you go. I’ll stay here and keep the place for papa.
(A tall, lanky woman of unusually independent and military appearance and a tourist dispute for the same place. The tourist, a short, quiet, rather weak man, feebly defends his rights; the woman is resolute and aggressive.)
Tourist. But, lady, it is my place. I have been standing here for two hours.
Military Woman. What do I care how long you have been standing here. I want this place. Do you understand? It offers a good view, and that’s just what I want. Do you understand?
Tourist (weakly). It’s what I want, too.
Military Woman. I beg your pardon, what do you know about these things anyway?
Tourist. What knowledge is required? A man will fall. That’s all.