Mr. Toov. (to himself). She makes me almost feel as if I'd gone after all! (Aloud.) I was a little late, my dear, not so very. I suppose I must have been home between eight and nine, and Phœbe brought me up some nice cold mutton and the apple-tart, so I did very well, very well indeed.
Mrs. Toov. (to herself). If he is deceiving me, I can soon find out from the look of the joint and tart!
Mr. Toov. By the way, my love, surely you are rather late this evening, are you not? it's nearly twelve!
Mrs. Toov. (to herself, with a start). Oh, but I will not fib unless he forces me to. (Aloud.) I—I was detained later than I expected.
Mr. Toov. And you didn't expect to be back so very early either, for you took the latchkey, didn't you?
Mrs. Toov. I happened to find it, Pa, and I thought I might as well use it—and why not?
Mr. Toov. It was most thoughtful of you, my love, to think of saving Phœbe. By the way, do you notice——? (He looks round him suspiciously.) Ah, well, it may be my fancy. And you had a successful meeting? were there many interesting speeches?
Mrs. Toov (choking). As—as interesting as usual, Theophilus! (To herself.) I 'm sure that's true enough!
Mr. Toov. And supper provided afterwards, I suppose? Which accounts for your being late. Dear—dear me!
[His face grows troubled again.