NOAH.
Respectable man, was "e?
GEORGIANA.
What do you mean?
SIR TRISTRAM.
This lady is his sister!
NOAH.
Now, look "ere--it"s no good a gettin" "asty and irritable with the law. I"ll coom over to yer, officially.
[_Putting the baking tin under his arm he crosses over to SIR TRISTRAM and GEORGIANA._
SIR TRISTRAM.
[_Putting his handkerchief to his face._] Don"t bring that horrible odor of cooking over here.
GEORGIANA.
Take it away! What is it?
NOAH.
It"s evidence against my profligate wife.
[_SIR TRISTRAM and GEORGIANA exchange looks of impatience._
GEORGIANA.
Do you realize that my poor brother the Dean is missing?
NOAH.
Ay. Touching this missin" De-an.
GEORGIANA.
I left him last night to retire to rest.
SIR TRISTRAM.
This morning he is not to be found!
NOAH.
Ay. "As it struck you to look in "is bed?
GEORGIANA _and_ SIR TRISTRAM.
Of course!
GEORGIANA.
Everybody did that!
NOAH.
One "ud a done. It"s only confusin"--hall doin" it! Money matters right or wrong?
[_GEORGIANA puts her handkerchief to her eyes._
SIR TRISTRAM.
Do put your questions more feelingly! This is his sister--I am his friend!
NOAH.
You will push yourselves forrard. Had he anything on his mind?
GEORGIANA.
Yes!
NOAH.
Then I"ve got a the"ry.
GEORGIANA _and_ SIR TRISTRAM.
What is it?
NOAH.
A the"ry that will put you all out o" suspense!
GEORGIANA _and_ SIR TRISTRAM.
Yes, yes!
NOAH.
I"ve been a good bit about, I read a deal, and I"m a shrewd experienced man. I should say this is nothin" but a hordinary case of sooicide.
[_GEORGIANA sits faintly._