Miss P. I was saying, Captain Dorvaston—— (she notices the shoe) What are you doing with that shoe?
Dor. Just picked it up.
Miss P. Why did you touch it? Your doing so seems to me to be strangely wanting in delicacy.
Dor. Don't see anything indelicate in picking up an old shoe. I found it on the garden path.
Miss P. My shoe on the garden path!
Dor. Yours! I thought it was Gandy's.
Miss P. If you thought to keep me a prisoner in my room by the removal of my shoe, the expedient was abortive. I have several other pairs.
Dor. Don't know what the deuce you're driving at, ma'am. Sorry I disturbed the thing. Shall I put it back?
Miss P. I will thank you to restore it to me. (Dorvaston hands shoe, and Miss Pillenger crosses, and puts it on cabinet R.) Thank you! (she returns and sits L. of table) Now, with your permission, I will resume what I was saying to Mr. Pillenger when you came in. (the men exchange glances) I warned you last night I should consider it my duty to acquaint Lucy with the details of—my—very painful discovery (Dorvaston starts to go off at window; Pillenger follows his example upstairs) but I find she has gone out for a walk—at least so I imagine. Well—Audley—Audley (Miss Pillenger calls Pillenger back, and he calls Dorvaston back; Pillenger sits on settle, and Dorvaston leans on balustrade) Well, Audley, the painful discovery I allude to was this. After returning home last night I had occasion to visit the kitchen in order to speak to Cook for a moment. While doing so, I heard a mysterious noise. I investigated its origin, and found Captain Dorvaston concealed in the broom cupboard. He was unable to give me any lucid explanation. I now leave the matter in your hands. (slight pause)
Dor. I don't know whether it's much good me saying anything—is it, sir?