(takes note). Not my wife’s handwriting; evidently disguised. O, Jenny, Jenny, have I lost-you?

Persis. O, Dixie, Dixie, have I lost you?

Dolby (outside). Hallo! Charley, old boy, where are you?

Persis. His voice. How it thr-r-r-ills me! But he must not see me here. Where can I hide? (Goes to door L.) In this room? Get him away, and I will return. Then we can make plans to circumvent them.

[Exit door L.

Charles. But, madam, that’s my wife’s room. She’s gone. Can I be awake? My Jenny corresponding with my friend! And he in love? O, it’s absurd!

(Dolby appears at door with a fishing-rod in case, a gun, and a scoop-net with handle, clumsily held in his arms; a game-bag swung one side, and a fishing-basket the other.)

Dolby. Ah, there you are, Charley. And here I am, armed and equipped as the law directs. (Attempts to enter; gun gets across the doorway. Backs and tries again; net gets across the doorway. Business repeated.) Well, well, this is getting interesting (enters). Ah! here we are (drops everything on floor, and runs to Charles, hands extended). How are you, old fellow? Alive and kicking? Domestic bliss and rural felicity? Happy chap!

Charles (shakes hands). Glad to see you, Dixie. Welcome.

Dolby. That’s hearty. Where’s your wife? Must see her, you know. I came to enjoy the beauties of the country, and you’ve the brightest and loveliest. I know you know—of course you know.

Charles (aside). He knows, confound him! (Aloud) She’s out just now. You shall see her.

Dolby. Now let’s see—what shall we do first? There’s fishing, hunting, and making love to a pretty girl. I’ve only a day, and we must crowd lots of fun into ten hours.

Charles. Well, what say you to lunch first?

Dolby. Nothing for me, save a glass of warm milk from the hands of a dairymaid. I’ve come down here to breathe the country air. Stop a moment. I forgot that (runs up to door C. and stands breathing hard, and striking his breast). Ah, that’s the sort; the invigorating air of the country. Ah! (with a long breath) there’s the first dose.

(Enter Nelly, R. Dolby comes down L.)

Charles. And here’s the dairymaid. My sister, Dixie. Mr. Dixon Dolby, Nelly.

Dolby. Ah, delightful (bows). What a pretty girl! What cheeks! What a shape!

Nelly. Your first visit to the country, Mr. Dolby?

Dolby. I’m ashamed to say it is, Miss Nelly. But it’s delightful; such a quantity of trees and grass; houses not quite so plenty.

Charles. Mr. Dolby would like a glass of milk.

Dolby. Yes, thank you; cow’s milk, if the cows are at leisure.

Nelly. O, quite. I’ll bring it at once. [Exit R.

Dolby. Charley, my boy, your sister’s a perfect beauty.

Charles. Sit down, Dolby (Dolby brings chair up to table L. Charles brings one down from back; they sit R. and L.) I had hopes that you would come down here heart-whole; but I learn that you are already engaged in a love affair.

Dolby. Don’t mention it (Persis opens door, steps out, and listens). The most absurd thing; a little country-house flirtation with a lady old enough to be my mother.

Persis. The wretch!

Dolby. Unfortunately, one evening I lay upon my bed, smoking and reading, with my door open into