“Nothing has happened, only this young woman has appeared in a new character,” says Lady Baker. “My son has just informed us that Miss Prior danced upon the stage, Mr. Drencher; and if you think such a person is a fit companion for your mothers and sisters, who attend a place of Christian worship, I believe—I wish you joy.”
“Is this—is this—true?” asks the doctor, with a look of bewilderment.
“Yes, it is true,” sighs the girl.
“And you never told me, Elizabeth?” groans the doctor.
“She’s as honest as any woman here,” calls out Bedford. “She gave all the money to her family.”
“It wasn’t fair not to tell me. It wasn’t fair,” sobs the doctor. And he gives her a ghastly parting look, and turns his back.
“I say, you—Hi! What-d’-you-call-’em? Sawbones!” shrieks out Captain Clarence. “Come back, I say. She’s all right, I say. Upon my honour, now, she’s all right.”
“Miss P. shouldn’t have kept this from me. My mother and sisters are dissenters, and very strict. I couldn’t ask a party into my family who has been—who has been——I wish you good morning,” says the doctor, and stalks away.
“And now, will you please to get your things ready and go, too,” continues Lady Baker. “My dear Mrs. Bonnington, you think——”
“Certainly, certainly, she must go!” cries Mrs. Bonnington.