Colonel.
Naturally, my dear. But nowadays, of course, I take second place.
Mrs. Parbury.
I thought so too, but I was wrong. Wait for me a few minutes.
Colonel.
[Hesitatingly, after glancing at Parbury and again at his daughter.] One moment, Mabel. This is all so sudden.
Mrs. Parbury.
Father, do you hesitate to receive me?
Colonel.
Good heavens, no! But Clement-- Mrs. Parbury.
Shhh!
[Puts her hand over his mouth.
Colonel.
Oh! I was thinking, my dear, that unfortunately there is no mother to receive you now. I"m only an old bachelor, and you"ll be-er-give me a word.
Mrs. Parbury.
[Kisses him, and goes to door, L. She looks across the room at her husband, and then whispers to herself.] He"ll never let me go.
[Exit, L.
Parbury.
[To Gunning.] She"ll not go, my dear fellow.
Gunning.
Humph! You think not? Anyway, I must, Parbury.
Don"t.
Gunning.
The domestic atmosphere is volcanic, and I feel remorseful.
Parbury.
Nonsense, it had to come. You must see me through it now.
Gunning.
How beastly selfish you married men are!
[They come down.
Colonel.
Clement, I"m in a difficulty.
Parbury.
You mean about Mabel, Colonel?
Colonel.
Yes.
Parbury.
She proposes going home with you.
Colonel.
Yes.
Parbury.
[Smiling confidently.] I don"t think she"ll go.
Enter Evans, L.
Evans.
[To Colonel.] Your carriage, sir. [Parbury looks uneasy.]
[Exit Evans, L.
Colonel.
[Whistles. Looks at his watch.] I think she means it. I ordered my man to wait in the Avenue till he was called. Mabel has evidently had him called.
[Parbury is thoughtful.
Colonel.
I don"t wish to be in the least degree meddlesome; but, well, there it is!
Parbury.
The question, I suppose, is what"s it all about?
Colonel.
Well, yes. I suppose that"s it; although I don"t in the least wish to know.
Parbury.
You hear, George; what"s it all about?
Gunning.
[Down R., almost angrily.] Now, how the deuce should I know? Colonel, you would be very kind if you would use your authority to prevent Clement dragging me into his domestic difficulties. Married men have a cowardly way of endeavouring to involve their friends. Perhaps you have noticed it.
Colonel.
I have, Mr. Gunning. My experience of married life extended over a period of twenty-six years.
Gunning.
May one discreetly express the hope that they were very happy years?
Colonel.
Very happy years, with, however, I must admit, intermittent troubles. Mabel"s mother was one of the best women in the world, but, if I may say so without disloyalty, she was just a little-a little-er-give me a word.
Parbury.
Would the word exigeant apply?
Colonel.
Admirably. Perhaps you have noticed in Mabel the slightest tendency? Eh?
Parbury.
Well, well!
Colonel.
Her mother"s jealousy, too, was something amazing. I hope I"m not conceited, but in those days I was just a little-er-popular, and perhaps I ought not to confess it, a little-er-give me a word.
Gunning.
Human.
[They laugh slightly.
Colonel.
[With affected severity.] Clement, I hope you are not too human?
Parbury.
Quite the contrary, I a.s.sure you, Colonel.
Colonel.
Then why-I suppose, after all, it is my duty to ask-why does Mabel come home with me to-night?
Parbury.
She is simply using pressure to get her own way in a matter in which I think her way the wrong way.
Colonel.
Gad! they do like their own way, don"t they? Well, no doubt she"ll be more reasonable to-morrow. I think I may trust you.
Parbury.
You may-absolutely.
Enter Mrs. Parbury. She has put on a hat and a cloak.
Mrs. Parbury.
[Going to Gunning.] You"ll forgive me, I"m sure, Mr. Gunning. Good-night. You"ll have Clement all to yourself.
Gunning.
Good-night, Mrs. Parbury.
[They shake hands. Parbury joins her, C.
Parbury.
[In a low voice.] Don"t go, Mabel. It"s very foolish.
Mrs. Parbury.
[Softening.] You could prevent me if you wished.
Parbury.
I"m opposed to all violence.
Mrs. Parbury.