ADELA. (aside) I know not why, but I felt frightened while in that great apartment. (seeing SIMON) Ah!
FRANK. Miss—hem—miss—ah! here is my grandfather, he has just returned——
SIMON. (aside—looking about) His grandfather, where is he?
ADELA. (L. C.—curtseying) Sir!
FRANK. (making signs to SIMON) Grandfather, this is the companion of whom I have just told you.
SIMON. (astonished—to FRANK) What, me!
FRANK. (aside—to him) Hold your tongue, or I’ll break your back. (shouting) The female companion. (to ADELAIDE) He is dreadfully deaf; but that is not astonishing at his age—ninety-three—yes, I assure you, he is ninety-three!
SIMON. Oh! really, sir——
FRANK. Hold your tongue, or be killed! (shouting) You are very tired, sit down, dear grandfather. (to ADELAIDE) The very shortest walk fatigues him, and no wonder, for as I said before, he is ninety-seven, and—(pushing SIMON violently into easy chair) Sit down, dear grandfather! (aside to him) Sit down, you brute, and say your wife will be back directly!
SIMON. (astonished) My wife will be back directly.