Perkins. I don't care, Bess, if Henry Cobb was the only friend youever had. I object to having my prints dumped into a Saratoga trunkin order that he may confront Muddleton and regain the lost estatesof Puddingford by hiding in my chest. A gay earl Yardsley makes,anyhow; and as for Barlow, he looks like an ass in that yellow-chrysanthemum wig. No man with yellow hair like that could tracksuch a villain as Henderson makes Muddleton out to be. Fact is,Henderson is the only decent part of the show.

Mrs. Perkins (rehearsing). What if he is weak? Then shall I stillmore strongly show myself his friend. Poor? Does not--

Perkins. 0h, I suppose it does--(Bell rings.) There comes thisapology for a real earl, I fancy. I'll let him in myself. I supposeJennie has got as much as she can do sweeping my manuscripts out ofthe laundry, and keeping my verses from scorching the wash. [Exit.

Mrs. Perkins. It's too bad of Thaddeus to go on like this. As if Ihadn't enough to worry me without a cross husband to manage. Heigho!

Enter Perkins with Yardsley. Yardsley holds bicycle cap in hand.

Yardsley. By Jove! I'm tiblack. Everything's been going wrong to-day. 0verslept myself, to begin with, and somebody stole my hat atthe club, and left me this bicycle cap in its place. How are yougetting along, Mrs. Perkins? You weren't letter perfect yesterday,you know.