Mr. Toovey (breathlessly). I—I consider I am very fortunate in catching you, Mr. Curphew. I accidentally learnt from my wife that you were going up about this time—so I hurried down, on the bare chance of——
Curph. (impatiently). Yes, yes, but I'm afraid I can't wait now, Sir. I—Mrs. Toovey asked me to take care of your daughter——
Mr. Toov. Althea will be perfectly safe. And I must have a few words with you at once on a matter which is pressing, Sir, very pressing indeed. Althea will excuse you.
Alth. (from the window). Of course. You mustn't think of coming, Mr. Curphew. Phœbe will look after me.
Curph. But—but I have an important engagement in Town myself!
Alth. (unkindly). You will get up quite as soon by the next train, Mr. Curphew, or even sooner—you said so yourself, you know! (In an under-tone.) Stay. I'd rather you did—you can tell me your—your secret when I come back.
The Guard. Vauxhall and Waterloo only, this train. Stand back there, please!
[He slams the door; the train moves on, leaving Curphew on the platform with Mr. Toovey.
Curph. (to himself, bitterly). What luck I have! She's gone now—and I haven't told her, after all. And I'm left behind, to have it out with this old pump! (Aloud.) Well, Sir, you've something to say to me?
Mr. Toov. (nervously). I have—yes, certainly—only it—it's of rather a private nature, and—and perhaps we should be freer from interruption in the waiting-room here.