Mr. Toov. You see, my love, it couldn't have been all my fancy, because Phœbe noticed it too. Dear me, it's late; I'd better go and see that everything is locked up. (As he passes Mrs. T.) It's very extraordinary. Surely they don't allow any of the missionaries to smoke at these Zenana meetings, my love—do they?
Mrs. Toov. Of course they don't. I—I am at a loss to understand you. Theophilus, and—and I am going to bed.
Mr. Toov. No, but really—— Why, I see how it was! Depend upon it, my dear, that cabman must have been sitting inside the vehicle smoking, with the windows up, before you got in. Yes, yes; that accounts for everything.
Mrs. Toov. (faintly). Do you think so, Theophilus? I—I remember noticing a smell of cigars.
Mr. Toov. (as he goes out). My poor dear love, what a trial for you; and you never complained! Now, when I see dear Mrs. Cumberbatch at church to-morrow, I must really caution her not to employ that cabman again—she may have taken his number, and he really ought to lose his licence—drunk, and smoking inside his cab! Oh, I shall tell her!
[He goes out.
Mrs. Toov. (alone). Pa shall not go to church to-morrow. I will take care of that, and by the time he sees Eliza again he will have forgotten all about it. Is he doing all this to cover his own misdoings? I can't rest till I know! I will make Charles tell me on Monday. But what if Pa is blameless? No, he must have been doing something he oughtn't to. It would be too horrible if it turned out that I—I am the only person who has been (she catches her breath with a shudder) "hi-tiddley-ing," as those vulgar wretches would call it! There 's only one comfort that I can see; nobody here is ever likely to know, unless I choose to betray myself. Oh dear! oh dear! I wish I could forget this awful evening!
[She ascends the stairs with a heavy and dispirited tread.
End of Scene XIV.