[He sits up expectantly.
Mrs. Toov. (to herself, in the hall). Just as I expected. Theophilus not home yet! I shall sit up for him in the study. (She opens the study door, and starts.) So there you are, Pa! And pray when did you come in?
Mr. Toov. (mildly). Yes, my love, here I am; I've been in a long while, quite a long while.
Mrs. Toov. (to herself). And he imagines I believe that! (Aloud.) I understood you intended to spend the evening with Charles.
Mr. Toov. So I did, my dear, so I did. I went to his rooms.
Mrs. Toov. And you went out somewhere together, Pa? Come, you won't deny that!
Mr. Toov. (to himself). What a mercy I didn't go to that Eldorado! I should have had to tell her! (Aloud.) Why you see we—we didn't go anywhere. I found Charles was engaged to dine with a friend, so I went away again.
Mrs. Toov. (to herself). A very likely story! Where has Theophilus learnt such brazen duplicity? (Aloud.) Oh! and then of course you came straight home?
Mr. Toov. Why, no, my love; not immediately. I—I suddenly recollected that I had to see a friend on—on a little matter of business which was—hem—somewhat pressing, so I went there first of all.
Mrs. Toov. (to herself, contemptuously). Exactly the excuse in all those horrid songs! (Aloud.) And the business kept you rather late, eh, Pa? Some business is apt to do so, I know!