Mr. Smith.
MRS. SYLVESTER.
I do not know any Mr. Smith. Where has he gone?
ROSALINE.
I never said "Mr. Smith."
MRS. SYLVESTER.
What?
ROSALINE.
Certainly not. I have no reason to mind telling the truth. I am naturally a truthful girl. His name was--
REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (_aside to_ ROSALINE).
Robinson.
MRS. SYLVESTER.
Once and for all--will you tell me the man"s name?
REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (_aside to_ ROSALINE).
No, never!
MRS. SYLVESTER.
You refuse?
ROSALINE.
No.
MRS. SYLYESTER.
Then why did you say "never?"
ROSALINE.
I never said "Never."
MRS. SYLVESTER.
I warn you, girl, my patience is nearly exhausted.
REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (_aside_).
So am I. My legs ache at the joints.
MRS. SYLVESTER.
You will either make a clean breast of it, or I shall take steps--
REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (_aside to_ ROSALINE).
Let her take steps--that"s what I want her to do.
MRS. SYLVESTER.
Ah, wait--doubtless my husband is in hiding. I will see.
(_She opens_ R.D. _and exit_.)
ROSALINE (_going up to_ REMBRANDT TEMPENNY _angrily_).
What do you mean by getting me into all this trouble? What do you mean by it?
REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
Oh, you be hanged--you"re a perfect nuisance.
ROSALINE.
What!
(_She slaps his face_. MRS. SYLVESTER _re-enters_.)
MRS. SYLVESTER.
I heard a noise.
ROSALINE.
I was playing with the idol, that is all.
(REMBRANDT TEMPENNY _wags his head mechanically_.
REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (_aside_).
This is a dignified position for a husband and a ratepayer!--the b.u.t.t of a bad girl!
MRS. SYLVESTER.
Your frivolity will avail you nothing. If you were indeed brought here by a friend of Mr. Sylvester"s, I can guess who he is. His name is Tempenny, and I shall enquire into the matter at once. (_Going_.)