cuff down and writes.)

ADAM CHERRY.

(After a rather awkward pause.) It's—it's a bit of a surprise for you all.

MR. BEN DIXON.

A very pleasant one, Mr. Cherry. I am delighted—delighted. (Aside.) He'll take them both off our hands now— really quite providential.

PRIMROSE DEANE.

(Coming forward and taking Nelly's hands.) I do so hope you will be happy, dear. You often hear of these sort of things turning out quite well, and—and——

NELLY MORRIS.

(Smiling and kissing her.) Thank you, dear.

THEODORE TRAVERS.

Very interesting; quite worth the stairs.

MRS. KEN DIXON.

(Aside to him.) I believe you'd make notes at your dearest friend's death-bed!

THEODORE TRAVERS.

Why not? It couldn't hurt him, and might amuse other people. Well, may all the joys of the world be yours, young people. Bless you both. (He drinks.)

MRS. BEN DIXON.

(Rising.) May the Lord help you both. Ben, if you're ready, we'll go.

MR. BEN DIXON.

Quite ready, my dear.

MRS. BEN DIXON.

(To Nelly.) Good-bye, my dear. (Kisses her.) You and I must have a long chat when you come down. Goodbye, Ted. This is what comes of your hiding yourself to starve away from your old aunt. Good-bye, Mr. Medbury. Good-bye, Cherry. Go on, Prim. (Primrose goes out) I want to get out of this and have a think. It's old fools and young fools all making fools of themselves together here. (She goes out.)

MR. BEN DIXON.

(To Cherry.) We are both charmed, my dear sir, charmed. I shall feel now that there is someone to look after them, and see that they never want for anything. I can't tell you what a relief it is to me. Good-bye, good-bye. (He follows out.)

THEODORE TRAVERS.

Well, good-bye, good-bye all. I'll look you up again soon. Shall be interested to know how you all get on. (He goes out.)

ADAM CHERRY.

(To Nelly.) You didn't mind my telling it, did you, dear? It had to come out sooner or later of course. You—you're not vexed?

NELLY MORRIS.

No, Mr. Ch—Adam. Of course not.

ADAM CHERRY.

I felt as if I could not believe it myself till everybody else knew it. (To Jack.) Jack you haven't congratulated me.

JACK MEDBURY.

You have every reason to be congratulated, Mr. Cherry, I'm sure. (Aside to Nelly.) I understand, Nell. Don't worry about me. It will make me paint all the better. (Aside to Ted as he goes out.) Try and forget all that nonsense I talked to you, Ted. It's better as it is. Poor devils like you and I have no business to indulge in such luxuries as love, and I shall—— Goodbye, old fellow. (Grips Ted's hand and goes out.)

ADAM CHERRY.

And now, my dear Ted, that we are alone——

TED MORRIS.

I would rather be still more alone, Mr. Cherry, if you don't mind. Forgive me, but I want to talk to Nelly about this thing. It's rather taken me by surprise.

ADAM CHERRY.

Certainly, my dear boy. Certainly—very natural. I'll go. You and Nelly will come down and dine with me this evening, won't you, and we'll have a talk then.

TED MORRIS.

Thank you. I'll let you know.

ADAM CHERRY.

Ah yes. Do; do. (To Nelly.) Au revoir, my dear. Good-bye, Ted. Good-bye. (Goes out.)

TED MORRIS.

(He closes the door, and then returns. Nelly has gone to mantelpiece. He comes to her, and, putting his hands on her shoulders, speaks very gently.) You've done this for me, little woman, but it must not be, dear. Do you think that if I wouldn't ask dear old Aunt Bella for help that I'd take it for this price?

NELLY MORRIS.

One has a right to take what one has paid for. The price has been given.

TED MORRIS.

No, dear, only promised—by someone who did not know the value of what she was offering. You must let me cancel the bargain, Nell. It was a bad one to make—in every sense of the word.

NELLY MORRIS.

Perhaps. But bad bargains have to be kept when made, as well as good ones. Don't let us talk about it any more, dear. The thing's done now. It cannot be undone.

TED MORRIS.