he's wrong! The governor has gone out!

BLITH. I'm sorry!

DIBBS. He may not be back for some time; if you were to
drop in again, in a week or two perhaps?

BLITH. Pardon me, young man, but Mr. Selwyn's daughter just
told me her father _was_ at home!

DIBBS (aside). The devil she did? That's a doubler-up for
master! (He strikes forehead and paces up and down.)

BLITH. (watching DIBBS). A somewhat eccentric domestic!

DIBBS (aside). I've got it! Hurrah! I'll frighten the old
bird! (Rings bell. Enter TILLY, L. U. E.) Where are master's
pistols, and did they send the new swords that were ordered
yesterday? (Aside.) Say, yes.

TILLY (puzzled). Ye-es!

TILLY. Then put them in the armory with the other deadly
weapons? Have the forty score of ball cartridges come? (Aside.)
Say, yes!

TILLY. Yes-es.

DIBBS. Put them in the ammunition room handy, for Mr.
Selwyn will want them all this week.

TILLY. Poor boy! Love turns his brain, I ought not to have
been so cruel to him!

(Exit, L. U. E.

BLITH. (puzzled). Mr. Selwyn seems to be fond of firearms!

DIBBS. Fond of 'em! He always has something dangerous
about him, reckons himself the best shot in these parts; he's
obliged to be for he _never_ apologises; if anybody calls for
satisfaction (pointing at BLITHERS, who is alarmed) bang! he
drops 'em!

BLITH. (aside). A nice amiable employer! (Aloud). I don't
see what all this has to do with me!

DIBBS (aside). He's a determined old dog!

Enter SELWYN, R. U. E.

SEL. (up stage). Dibbs! (Seeing BLITHERS.) A visitor?

DIBBS (aside to SELWYN). It's the hat man!

SEL. (nervously). I told you not to admit anyone!

DIBBS (aside to SELWYN). It was Tilly did it! Be careful,
sir, he's not to be trifled with! Beware, sir, beware!

(Exit DIBBS, L. U. E.

SEL. (aside). I would give a wagon load of gold watches to
be somebody else this minute!

BLITH. (ceremoniously). I have the honor to address Mr.
Selwyn?

SEL. Yes--es! (Aside.) I don't like his eye!

BLITH. I have merely called for a little explanation----

SEL. (aside and looking off). If my wife comes now I'm
done for!

BLITH. (aside). He seems to take no notice! (Louder.) Sir,
I have called for the purpose----

SEL. Hush! Not so loud!

BLITH. I beg pardon. (Aside.) Somebody ill, I suppose.
(Aloud.) There has