Mrs. Toov. (putting the note in the fire). It—it was only from—from my dressmaker. (To herself.) He drives me to this!
"Mrs. Toovey suddenly sits down, scarlet."
Mr. Toov. (again uneasy). Do you know, Cornelia, I—I may be wrong, but I've a very strong suspicion that——
Mrs. Toov. (in terror). Pa, speak out! In—in the name of Heaven, what is it you suspect?
Mr. Toov. It's getting stronger every moment. I'm sure of it. My love, there's a strange man downstairs in the kitchen!
Mrs. Toov. (with a gasp of relief). A man! Oh, this must be seen into at once! (She rings the bell furiously; presently Phœbe appears, evidently only half-awake.) Phœbe, what does this mean? I insist on the truth!
Phœbe. I'm very sorry m'm, but I'd no idea you was home, and I was sitting up for you downstairs, and I expect I must have dropped asleep, and never heard you come in.
Mrs. Toov. Don't attempt to deceive me! You are entertaining a man downstairs, contrary to all my orders. Yes, it's useless to deny it, your master has distinctly heard sounds.