rtentously.] This young--er--lady says that last
night--I think you said last night madam--you took away----

UNKNOWN. [Impulsively.] My reticule, and all my money was in a
crimson silk purse.

JACK. Reticule. [Looking round for any chance to get away.] I
don't know anything about it.

BARTHWICK. [Sharply.] Come, do you deny seeing this young lady
last night?

JACK. Deny? No, of course. [Whispering.] Why did you give me
away like this? What on earth did you come here for?

UNKNOWN. [Tearfully.] I'm sure I didn't want to--it's not likely,
is it? You snatched it out of my hand--you know you did--and the
purse had all my money in it. I did n't follow you last night
because I did n't want to make a fuss and it was so late, and you
were so----

BARTHWICK. Come, sir, don't turn your back on me--explain!

JACK. [Desperately.] I don't remember anything about it. [In a
low voice to his friend.] Why on earth could n't you have written?

UNKNOWN. [Sullenly.] I want it now; I must have, it--I 've got to
pay my rent to-day. [She looks at BARTHWICK.] They're only too glad
to jump on people who are not--not well off.

JACK. I don't remember anything about it, really. I don't remember
anything about last night at all. [He puts his hand up to his
head.] It's all--cloudy, and I 've got such a beastly headache.

UNKNOWN. But you took it; you know you did. You said you'd score
me off.

JACK. Well, then, it must be here. I remember now--I remember
something. Why did I take the beastly thing?

BARTHWICK. Yes, why did you take the beastly----[He turns abruptly
to the window.]

UNKNOWN. [With her mesmeric smile.] You were n't quite were you?

JACK. [Smiling pallidly.] I'm awfully sorry. If there's anything
I can do----

BARTHWICK. Do? You can restore this property, I suppose.

JACK. I'll go and have a look, but I really don't think I 've got
it.

[He goes out hurriedly. And BARTHWICK, placing a chair,
motions to the visitor to sit; then, with pursed lips, he
stands and eyes her fixedly. She sits, and steals a look at
him; then turns away, and, drawing up her veil, stealthily
wipes her eyes. And Jack comes back.]

JACK. [Ruefully holding out the empty reticule.] Is that the
thing? I 've looked all over--I can't find the purse anywhere. Are
you sure it was there?

UNKNOWN. [Tearfully.] Sure? Of course I'm sure. A crimson silk
purse. It was