Inkwell. I don't want tea! I want you! I love you! Oh! My darling—it is a wonderful feeling—this one—that—which I have for you—indeed—that one which I have for you—put your hand in mine—for a woman like you never before fr—fr—never before have I seen a woman such as you—
[Again he has brought Miss Ivory down center.]
Sud. My stars! Leave out the h's. That—which—such!—Get it clear for to-morrow's rehearsal.
Inkwell [puts paragraph in his pocket—hesitatingly, doubtfully, sarcastically]. I ought to have my name on the program as co-author.
[Exit left.]
Sud [jumps forward]. You ought to have it cut out of the program when you forget to act! [Raps on floor and cries out.] Mr. Ruler—Mr. Ruler—Pay some attention to your cues, please!—
[Sud goes off stage center over bridge into pit.]
Ruler [pokes head in from left]. Beg pardon, sir—I didn't hear my cue!
Sud [at right of center]. It's your business to listen for it.
Ruler. But they didn't give me the cue!