Cecil. With you, G.? Why, you came to us when Arthur was only four, and he is five years older than I am, that——
Miss P. (hastily). Cecil, my dear, I have dropped my needle.
Cecil. It is sticking aggressively in that sock. I am jealous. Arthur has his man, and I have no maid; you don’t trouble about my wardrobe.
Miss P. A woman should be at home with her needle. Ar—his lordship cannot darn socks, and though Maitland is as handy as all old soldiers, I could not trust him with silk ones.
Cecil. Nobody knits me anything, I—am only a girl. (Turns L.) G., dear, I smell (Miss P. starts)—I smell a whiff of real English tobacco; his lordship, having wearied of running coolies off their legs, has returned. You will be caught—G., dear, you will be caught—you will be caught! (Miss P. hurries across stage, dropping sock, etc.)
[EXIT L. Cecil laughs, and turns to follow as curtain falls.
CURTAIN.
SCENE IV.—A room in the house of Sakara, who is seated C. by a table, which is covered with Japanese books, etc., a box in front of her, two or three small tables (really low, square stools), some rugs on the floor, sword hanging from roof C., R. 1 E. and L. 1 E. The room is made with plain screens. Ito stands R., down stage.
Sakara. See, little Ito, there are books for excellent play-acting. (Ito bows.) Are they not joy to eager eyes? See, here are coins, honorable coins. Place safely in girdle, O little Ito! (Child bows again before taking money.) No words, O grave and wise?