(Noise heard without, as of people struggling with a woman, who rudely expostulates with them.)
Mrs. V. B. Why, what in the world is the matter?
Enter three or four Servant Men with Ruth Tredgett in custody. She is wild-looking and dishevelled, as if she had been struggling violently.
Groom. We’ve got her, ma’am. Don’t be afraid. (To Ruth.) Stand quiet, you jade, will yer? Woa, there! We’ve got her, sir, but we’ve had a desperate hard job to do it.
Dr. A. What has been done?
Groom. She’s knocked two teeth clean out of my head, sir, and give notice to quit to a dozen more.
Dr. A. We will hear your grievance presently. What has this woman done that she is brought here?
All. Done, sir, why——
But. (with dignity to the others). If you please! (To Mrs. Van Brugh) Ma’am, Edwards found this here woman creepin’ out of my pantry, ma’am, on all fours.