(A Story in Scenes.)
Scene V.—A General Waiting-room at Clapham Junction. Curphew is leaning against the mantelpiece. Mr. Toovey is seated on one of the horsehair chairs against the wall.
Mr. Toovey (to himself). I do wish he'd sit down, and not look at me in that austere way! (Aloud.) Won't you take a chair? It would be so much more comfortable.
[He shifts his seat uneasily.
Curphew (stiffly). Thanks, Mr. Toovey, but I'd rather stand—for so short a time. (A pause.) Well, Sir, you have something to say to me, I believe?
Mr. Toov. (to himself). Oh dear, I'm almost sorry now I—he won't make sufficient allowances for me. (Aloud, after another pause.) The fact is, Mr. Curphew, I—I've just made a—a very painful discovery, which—is there any water in that decanter? because I—I feel a little thirsty.
[Curphew pours him out a glass of water, which he sips.
Curph. Come, Sir, we needn't beat about the bush. I think I can spare you the preliminaries. I suppose you've heard about the Eldorado?
Mr. Toov. (to himself). He knows already! These journalists find out everything. (Aloud.) I—I have indeed, but I assure you that, up to the very moment my nephew informed me, I had no more suspicion——
Curph. You naturally consider that I ought to have told you at once, but the fact is, I—well, I had some reason to doubt whether Mrs. Toovey——