Alth. (closing the piano). The colours are so frightful, Mamma!
Mrs. Toov. What does that signify, my dear? When it's for a charity! Really, I'm beginning to think this visit to town has not had at all a good effect upon you. You've come back unable to settle down to anything. Yes, I see a great change in you, Althea, and it's not confined to the worldly way you do your hair. I sincerely hope it will not strike Mr. Curphew as it does me. You know he is dining here this evening? I told him in my note that if he liked to come a little earlier——(Significantly.) I think he has something to say to you, Thea. Perhaps you can guess what?
Alth. (twisting her hands nervously). Oh no, Mamma. I—I can't see Mr. Curphew—not alone, I mean.
Mrs. Toov. Don't be ridiculous, my dear. You know perfectly well that he admires you. He has very properly spoken first to your father, and we both consider you a most fortunate girl. He is a truly excellent young man, which is the first consideration; and, what is even more important, he is, as far as I can gather, making an excellent income. And you can't deny that you were interested in him from the very first.
Alth. N—not in that way, Mamma. At least, not any longer.
Mrs. Toov. Nonsense. If Mr. Curphew proposes, I shall be seriously annoyed if you put him off with any foolish shilly-shallying. Mind that. And here he is—at least, it's somebody at the front door. I've mislaid my glasses as usual. And if it is Mr. Curphew, I shall send him in here at once; so remember what I've said. (She goes out into the hall, and discovers her nephew Charles.) So it is you, Charles! You're rather earlier than I expected.
Charles. Nothing much doing at the office, Aunt. And I thought I might have to dress for dinner, you know.
Mrs. Toov. You ought to know by this time that we are plain people and do not not follow the senseless fashion of dressing ourselves up for a family dinner, but I am glad you came early, all the same, Charles, as I should like a little talk with you before your Uncle comes in. We had better go into the study. (To herself, as she leads the way.) Now I shall get it out of him!
End of Scene XV.
Scene XVI.—In the Study.