"They were all discovered in one room."
MR. POSKET.
So we were--I mean, so they were!
MR. BULLAMY.
"And I shall adjourn the case for a week to give Mr. Farringdon an opportunity of claiming these people as his guests."
CIS.
Three cheers for Bullamy.
MR. BULLAMY.
So I censured the police for their interference and released the ladies on their own recognisances.
MR. POSKET.
[_Taking MR. BULLAMY"S hand._] And the men?
MR. BULLAMY.
Well, unfortunately, Wormington took upon himself to despatch the men to the House of Correction before I arrived.
MR. POSKET.
I"m glad of it! They are dissolute villains! I"m glad of it.
_POPHAM enters._
POPHAM.
Oh, sir! Here"s the missis and Miss Verrinder! In such a plight!
CIS.
The mater! Guv, you explain!
[_He hurries out. MR. POSKET rapidly retires into the window recess.
AGATHA POSKET and CHARLOTTE enter, pale, red-eyed, and agitated.
POPHAM goes out._
AGATHA POSKET AND CHARLOTTE.
[_Falling on to MR. BULLAMY"S shoulders._] O--o--h--h!
MR. BULLAMY.
My dear ladies!
AGATHA POSKET.
Preserver!
CHARLOTTE.
Friend!
AGATHA POSKET.
How is my boy?
MR. BULLAMY.
Never better.
AGATHA POSKET.
And the man who condemned his wife and sister-in-law to the miseries of a jail!
MR. BULLAMY.
Ahem! Posket--oh--he----
AGATHA POSKET.
Is he well enough to be told what that wife thinks of him?
MR. BULLAMY.
It might cause a relapse!
AGATHA POSKET.
It is my duty to risk that.
CHARLOTTE.
[_Raising the covers of the dishes on the table._] Food!
AGATHA POSKET.
Ah!
[_AGATHA POSKET and CHARLOTTE begin to devour a teacake voraciously._
MR. POSKET.