Mrs. Toov. (to herself). He's trying to spare me, but I can see he's most uneasy about Charles. (Aloud.) Well, Pa, I don't like the idea of your dining out without me—it will be the first time for years—but still, I shall have to be away myself this evening; there's a special meeting of the Zenana Mission Committee, and Mrs. Cumberbatch made such a point of my attending—so, if you feel you really ought to see Charles——
Mr. Toov. Oh. I do, my dear. He—he wants looking after. And perhaps, if I could have a little quiet, serious talk with him, after dinner—or over a game of draughts. (To himself.) What a dissembler I've become; but I do mean to look in on Charles, before I go to this Eldorado place, and there may be time for a game of draughts!
Mrs. Toov. You would learn more, Theophilus, by putting a few questions to his landlady. But remember, when you come back, I shall insist on being told everything—everything, mind!
Mr. Toov. Oh, of course, my love, of course. (To himself.) If my visit proves satisfactory, I—I might tell her. It will depend on how I feel—entirely on how I feel.
END OF SCENE VI.
SCENE VII.—The Drawing-room. It is after luncheon. Mrs. Toovey is sitting knitting.
Mr. Toovey (entering, in a frock-coat, carrying a tall hat). Er—Cornelia, my love, you don't happen to know where the—the latchkey is kept, do you?
Mrs. Toovey. The latchkey, Theophilus! One has never been required in this house yet. What can you possibly want with a latchkey?
Mr. Toov. (to himself). These performances go on till a somewhat advanced hour, I've no doubt, and I might feel it my duty to stay as long as—— (Aloud.) I—I only thought it would save Phœbe sitting up for me, my dear.
