Miss H. [finding on the mantel-piece a champagne bottle marked "ætat 21"]. Oh, look at this!

Burl. [aside over screen]. Now she has got hold of the memento of Steve's birthday. What next?

Mrs. H. [putting on glasses and taking bottle]. Hm! I suppose that Mr. Burleigh also drinks. I hope my son does all in his power to restrain his comrade.

Miss H. I am so glad we are going to see the great Ned Burleigh at last. Steve says he is so interesting—such a funny old bird.

Burl. [aside]. Damn him!

Mrs. H. I wonder where they are. One of them must be around, for they would not both go away, and leave their light burning. We cannot wait much longer.

[Enter Hudson, hurriedly.]

Hud. Forgot my gloves, of course, and had to come back. Hullo, mother! why, how did you two get here?

Mrs. H. Didn't you get my telegram?

Hud. Telegram? No, I suppose the boy will leave it, on his way to breakfast, in the morning.