ADELA. The table is already laid yonder. I will bring it to this room.

Exit, door, L.

FRANK. Wait for me, my love; I’ll assist you. (toddles to door, L., and he and ADELAIDE bring on table ready served; they place the table, C., and sit; ADELAIDE is moving the lamp nearer to FRANK)

FRANK. (R. of table) No, no, don’t do that, my dear, my eyes are so weak; why here is only one plate and knife and fork.

ADELA. (L. of table) It doesn’t matter, I have no appetite.

FRANK. Nor I. (filling glasses) But a glass of wine——

ADELA. No, thank you.

FRANK. I must. (drinks) I require several glasses to cheer the cockles of my aged heart. (fills again and drinks)

ADELA. (aside) What a strange old lady. (aloud, seeing them on table) Eh! a pipe and tobacco!

FRANK. Yes, my love; my medical man orders me to smoke, because my poor husband has got the rheumatism. (filling his pipe) But if you object——