(Lights out in interior. Enter Bella L. hastily. She rings bell at front door.)
Messenger. Who comes now? Your servant, is it not?
Horace. Bella! What can she want? Has she missed me?
(Footman opens front door.)
Bella. Is Mr. Parker here, please? (Footman shakes his head.) Or Miss Parker, then? Quick, please! The house is on fire. (Footman admits her and the door is closed.)
Horace. The house on fire? My house on fire?
Messenger. Be calm. The firemen will attend to it. You’ll see all about it in the papers to-morrow.
Horace. My house is on fire! Let me go! (He starts to go, but is hypnotically held back.)
Messenger. Stay where you are. You would only be in the way. It is insured, of course.
Horace. Curse you, no! All my papers will be destroyed. I’m done! I’m beaten! It’s your doing! Well, kill me at once! It would be a kindness! (Sobs, thoroughly crushed.)