Sladder: Ah! The public will—— O! (He has suddenly seen Hippanthigh).

Hippanthigh (solemnly): What new wickedness is this, Mr. Sladder? (All stand silent.) Good-bye, Mr. Sladder.

[He goes to the door, passing Ermyntrude. He looks at her and sighs as he goes. He passes Mrs. Sladder near the door, and bows in silence.

[Exit.

Ermyntrude: What have you been saying to Mr. Hippanthigh, father?

Sladder: Saying! He's been doing all the saying. He doesn't let you do much saying, does Hippanthigh.

Ermyntrude: But, father. What did he come to see you about?

Sladder: He came to call your poor old father all kinds of bad names, he did. It seems your old father is a wicked fellow, Ermyntrude.

Ermyntrude: O, father, I'm sure he never meant it.

[Hippanthigh goes by the window with a mournful face. Ermyntrude runs to the window and watches him till he is out of sight. She quietly waves her hand to Hippanthigh, unseen by her father.