Curph. (starting up from behind Althea). I think, if you will allow me, I'll go and speak to him first. It strikes me that I may know the lady who was in that box, and I'm naturally anxious to avoid any——
[He goes out.
End of Scene XIX.
Scene XX.—A few minutes later.
Mrs. Toov. (to herself, in a fever). Why doesn't he come back? What are those two plotting together? Oh, if Mr. Wildfire imagines he will get a hold over me, so as to obtain my consent to—— I'd sooner tell Pa everything! (To Curphew, who reenters, smiling.) W—where is—the other?
Curph. The other? Oh, he's gone. I made myself known to him; and you would have been surprised, my dear Mrs. Toovey, at the immense effect my professional name had upon him. When he realised I was Walter Wildfire he was willing to do anything for me, and so I easily got him to entrust his find to me.
Mr. Toov. (inquisitively). And what is it—a fan, or a glove? There would be no harm in showing it to us, eh?
Curph. Well, really, it's so very unlikely to compromise anybody that I almost think I might. Yes, there can't be any objection.
[He takes something out of his pocket, and presents it to Mr. T.
Mr. Toov. (mystified). Why, it's only a hairpin! What a scrupulously honest young man that is, to be sure!