Mrs. Toov. Perhaps I'd better ring and have two more eggs boiled if you're so hungry as all that, Pa?
Mr. Toov. (in terror at this suggestion). Not for me, my love, not for me. I—I've made an excellent breakfast!
Mrs. Toov. Then now, Pa, perhaps you will be at leisure to read your letter. I am curious to know what correspondence you can possibly have with an Eldorado Palace.
Mr. Toov. (to himself). Oh, dear me, she's seen the flap! Why do they put the name outside—so thoughtless of them! (He opens the letter.) Yes, it is the order. I can't show it to Cornelia! (Aloud.) I—I told you I was making inquiries.
Mrs. Toov. About Charles's habits? So you've written to the Manager, without consulting me! Well—what does he say?
Mr. Toov. (to himself). I don't like these deceptions—but I must consider poor Charles. (Aloud.) Oh—hum—very little, my love, very little indeed, but satisfactory—most satisfactory—he's no complaint to make of Charles—none whatever!
Mrs. Toov. As if it was likely you would get the truth from such a tainted source! Let me see his letter.
Mr. Toov. (pocketing the letter again, hastily). No, my dear love, you must excuse me—but this is a private and confidential communication, and—and, in common fairness to Charles—I'll trouble you for another cup of tea. (To himself.) It's for this very night. I've a great mind not to go. How am I to make an excuse for getting away? (Aloud.) I've half a mind to run up some time, and—and look in on Charles.
Mrs. Toov. (to herself). If Charles is misconducting himself, I ought to know—and I will, sooner or later. I'm sure Theophilus is keeping something from me. (Aloud.) I've only put in one lump, Pa. You may find him at home if you went up this afternoon.
Mr. Toov. (relieved). An excellent suggestion, my love. I will go this afternoon. He—he might ask me to stay and dine with him; so if—if I don't come back, you'll know where I am—eh? You won't be anxious?