REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (_aside to_ ROSALINE).

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 butt
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_.)

ROSALINE.

Of course his name is Tempenny--I never denied it.

REMBRANDT TEMPENNY and MRS. SYLVESTER (_aside_).

What?

ROSALINE.

I am nobody's accomplice--I am an honest woman earning a living. I will
tell lies for no one.

REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (_aside_).

The cat!

MRS. SYLVESTER.

Oh, this is infamous! So Mr. Tempenny assists my husband to deceive me,
does he? We will see what his wife has to say to it. Birds of a
feather--as I always thought. Abandoned wretches both!

(_Exit L_.)

REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (_springing up_).

You mischief-making little beast--what have you done?