Bradley. I don't know. That fireplace is large, and only two peoplehave to come in that way. The rising curtain discloses Gwendolinejust having come in. If Hartley, the villain, and Jack Pendleton,the manly youthful navy officer, who represents virtue, and dashes in atthe right moment to save Gwendoline, could sit close and stand thediscomfort of it, they might squeeze in there and await their cues.

Mrs. Perkins. Sit in the fireplace?

Yardsley. Yes. Why not?

Perkins. Don't you interfere, Bess, Yardsley is managing this show,and if he wants to keep the soubrette waiting on the mantel-pieceit really is his lookout, and not ours.

Yardsley. By-the-way, Thaddeus, Wilkins has backed out, and you areto play the villain.

Perkins. I? Never!