(A Story in Scenes.)
Scene XIV.—The Study at Hornbeam Lodge.
Time—Saturday night, about 11.30. Mr. Toovey is alone.
Mr. Toovey (to himself). Oh the inestimable blessing of having nothing on one's mind again! How providential that I found Larkins in! He was a little unsympathetic at first, to be sure; he would have it that I must have known all along what the Eldorado really was! but as soon as he saw how strongly I felt about it, he was most helpful. I could not have gone to that place this evening; how could I have met Cornelia's eye after it? As it is, I can face her without—— Surely she is later than usual from this Zenana meeting! (Wheels are heard outside.) A cab? I do hope nothing is the matter! Why, that sounds like—like a latchkey! Can it be—ah!—a dispute with the cabman—it must be Cornelia!
[The front door bangs.
A Voice (in earnest remonstrance through the keyhole). 'Ere, I say, you don't sneak off like that, you know! I knowed you was no good the minnit I clapped eyes on you! Are you going to gimme my legal fare or not? I ain't goin' till I git it. I want another shellin' orf o' you I do!
Mr. Toov. (to himself). Another shilling? Why, it's under a mile! He little knows my wife's principles if he expects——
The Voice. You orter be ashimed o' yourself! A lydy like you to tyke a man orf his rank at this toime o' noight, all the w'y from——(The front door is hastily unlocked again.) Thankee, mum, thankee; lor, I only want what's my doo, and the distance 'ere from——
[The door shuts with a bang.
Mr. Toov. She's given him the extra shilling—she can't be well! I'm afraid she's really poorly. She's gone into the drawing-room, but there are no lights there. She'll be here directly.