Mrs. Perkins (after an interval, throwing book down with a sigh).Heigho! I cannot seem to concentrate my mind upon anything to-night.I wonder why it is that once a woman gives her heart into another'skeeping--[Bell rings. Perkins lets curtain drop.

Yardsley. What the deuce did you drop that curtain for, Thaddeus?

Perkins. The bell rang, didn't it?

Yardsley. Yes, you idiot, but that's supposed to be the front-doorbell. Lady Amaranth is about to arrive--

Perkins. Well, how was I to know? Your instructions to me werepositive. Don't monkey with curtain till bell rings. When bellrings, if down, pull her up; if up, pull her down. I'm not aconnoisseur on bells--

Yardsley. You might pay some attention to the play.