P. Hum, I have no time to form ideals.
Miss B. His name is quite romantic, Ralph Hyde-Arlington.
P. Yes, it looks well on a title page.
Miss B. I think he must be tall and handsome, with dreamy eyes and dark curling locks. His sentiment is so tender. He must be an Apollo.
P. Possibly. I hope we shan’t have to verify that. He’s in the city now.
Miss B. I hope he’ll call.
P. (Emphatically.) I hope he will not. You know I dread the sight of an author as I dread small pox. Now for his letter.
Enter William, suddenly, R.
William. Mr. Welby’s here again. He’s kind o’ excited. (P. jumps up. Thrusts W.’s letter into boy’s hand.)