Her Friend. I expect that must be the husband.
The S. L. What?—and the wife behaving like that in his absence! If I thought that was the—— (The first male shadow comes out, and fights the second, who retreats, worsted.) I never saw anything so scandalous. How you can call yourself consistent, and sit there and laugh at such things——!
Her Friend (apologetically). I can't help laughing—and, after all, perhaps they're only rival lovers, or he's her father, or something.
The S. L. And she inviting one to come into the house in that bold way—a nice example for young persons! Look there, he's come back with a flageolet, and she's actually poured a jug of water on his head out of the window! "Only a pair of hands," did you say? So it may be—but we all know who it is that "Finds some mischief still For idle hands to do"—and there we have an illustration of it, my dear.
[She shakes herself down in her sealskins with virtuous disapproval.
The Unsophisticated Father (who has been roaring with laughter). Capital! It is amazingly clever, 'pon my word! Can't imagine how they do these things—can you, Vivvie? [To Up-to-Date Child.
Miss Vivien. Oh, well I've seen so much conjuring at parties, you know, Father, that I don't notice it particularly,—but it's nice to see you so amused!
The U. F. I'm young, you see, Vivvie; but I hope you're not bored?
Miss V. No, I'm not bored—only I thought there'd be some Serpentine dancing, and more of the Music Hall about it.
The U. F. Music Hall! Why, what do you know about Music Halls, eh?