(Quarrel worked up between them until
MRS. SELWYN in great passion seizes an umbrella to strike
at SELWYN; he avoids the blow, and BLITHERS entering C.,
quickly at moment, still with tall hat in hand, receives it
full on top of his head. BLITHERS turns and flies in dismay
at his reception. MRS. SELWYN faints. DIBBS dances with joy
at everybody's discomfiture.)

QUICK ACT DROP.

ACT II.

SCENE:--The same; MRS. SELWYN is discovered seated at secretaire
writing; GRACE looking over her shoulder.

MRS. S. That will do, I think! (Strikes bell.)

Enter DIBBS.

DIBBS. Yes'm!

MRS. S. Dibbs, I have a somewhat confidential errand to
send you upon. You know the young gentleman who sent in his
card this morning?

DIBBS. Yes, ma'am--good looking gent--touch of the brogue
about him!

MRS. S. That's right! Take this letter to the address upon
it, and give it into his own hands--remember, _his own hands_.

DIBBS. Suttingly, mum! (Going towards door.)

MRS. S. And, Dibbs,--ahem--you need not mention your errand
to my husband.

DIBBS. Not for the world, ma'am. (Aside.) Another secret!
If this don't get me a rise at the end of the month nothing
will!

(Exit at back.

GRACE. It _is_ good of you, mamma, to help us at a time
when papa seems so unreasonable--I will never have Mr. Bellamy,
never!

MRS. S. You never shall, my darling, but hush, here comes
one of the enemy. (They sit, one on R., the other on L.)

Enter FRED still with Directory and hat in his hands;
he falls exhausted in arm chair.

FRED. Pouf! A nice time I have had of it! (Seeing ladies
and coming C.) Oh! I beg pardon, Mrs. Selwyn and Miss Grace!
(They take no notice of him.) They don't hear me apparently!
(Aloud.) It's very cool to-day, don't you think so? (They turn
their backs on him and give him the cut direct; MRS. SELWYN,
R., GRACE, L.) This is strange! May I ask if Mr. Selwyn has
gone out? (They remain silent.) Is this a joke or a new parlor
game? (Speaking loudly.) I beg pardon, but is Mr. Selwyn
at home?

MRS. S. (turning towards him with icy coldness). Were you
addressing _us_, Mr. Bellamy?

FRED. Yes! that was my intention!

MRS. S. I am surprised you should dare to show your face
here!

GRACE. Even if you _did_ save papa's life you have no right
to make _me_ miserable!

MRS. S. No _gentleman_ would attempt to force his affections