Stuart. That’s another matter.
Fred. Then I shall at once find Miss Wortley and—
Stuart (interrupting). Tell her all about it. That’s right. You will have told her that you love her.
[Exits b. d.
Fred (following). Not at all! I shall simply keep near her, and if you make the attempt I shall interfere.
[Exits b. d.
[Agnes rises from concealment, peeks out and comes down c. with Mrs. V. T.’s domino and mask on her arm.
Agnes. At last! I began to think I should have to spend the night there,—though I did nearly burst in on them two or three times. And that’s the way men discuss women! (Scornfully.) So, Mr. Van Tromp, I’m to save you from the poorhouse! And “no” wouldn’t make you commit suicide! And you’re not afraid of what my answer will be, Mr. Newbank! Oh!!! (Laughs.) I should like to hear their proposals to Polly. I’ve always thought that girl a treasure, but she gets her dismissal to-morrow. The idea of wearing my domino, and telling all those men what I was to wear! And telling Mr. Stevens that she wrote my letters for me! (Anxiously.) What must he think of me! And the only one of them too who seemed to think I deserve the commonest courtesy. “I could say to Miss Wortley, as I say to myself fifty times a day, I love you.” (Demurely.) That was nice! I wonder if he— I wonder if Mr. Stuart will propose to me? I never thought he would behave so badly. (Pacing across stage meditatively.) How can I turn the tables and punish them all? Let me see—(checking off on fingers)—the two puppies will be punished by the loss of their bets and—me! Polly will lose her position. Now—
Enter Mrs. V. T. l. d.
Mrs. V. T. Oh, Agnes, I can’t find my domino anywhere, and— Why, you have it!