Colonel.

Naturally, my dear. But nowadays, of course, I take second place.

Mrs. Parbury.

I thought so too, but I was wrong. Wait for me a few minutes.

Colonel.

[Hesitatingly, after glancing at Parbury and again at his daughter.] One moment, Mabel. This is all so sudden.

Mrs. Parbury.

Father, do you hesitate to receive me?

Colonel.

Good heavens, no! But Clement-- Mrs. Parbury.

Shhh!

[Puts her hand over his mouth.

Colonel.

Oh! I was thinking, my dear, that unfortunately there is no mother to receive you now. I'm only an old bachelor, and you'll be-er-give me a word.

Mrs. Parbury.

[Kisses him, and goes to door, L. She looks across the room at her husband, and then whispers to herself.] He'll never let me go.

[Exit, L.

Parbury.

[To Gunning.] She'll not go, my dear fellow.

Gunning.

Humph! You think not? Anyway, I must, Parbury.

Don't.

Gunning.

The domestic atmosphere is volcanic, and I feel remorseful.

Parbury.

Nonsense, it had to come. You must see me through it now.

Gunning.

How beastly selfish you married men are!

[They come down.

Colonel.

Clement, I'm in a difficulty.

Parbury.

You mean about Mabel, Colonel?

Colonel.

Yes.

Parbury.

She proposes going home with you.

Colonel.

Yes.

Parbury.

[Smiling confidently.] I don't think she'll go.

Enter Evans, L.

Evans.

[To Colonel.] Your carriage, sir. [Parbury looks uneasy.]

[Exit Evans, L.

Colonel.

[Whistles. Looks at his watch.] I think she means it. I ordered my man to wait in the Avenue till he was called. Mabel has evidently had him called.

[Parbury is thoughtful.

Colonel.

I don't wish to be in the least degree meddlesome; but, well, there it is!

Parbury.

The question, I suppose, is what's it all about?

Colonel.

Well, yes. I suppose that's it; although I don't in the least wish to know.

Parbury.

You hear, George; what's it all about?

Gunning.

[Down R., almost angrily.] Now, how the deuce should I know? Colonel, you would be very kind if you would use your authority to prevent Clement dragging me into his domestic difficulties. Married men have a cowardly way of endeavouring to involve their friends. Perhaps you have noticed it.

Colonel.

I have, Mr. Gunning. My experience of married life extended over a period of twenty-six years.

Gunning.

May one discreetly express the hope that they were very happy years?

Colonel.

Very happy years, with, however, I must admit, intermittent troubles. Mabel's mother was one of the best women in the world, but, if I may say so without disloyalty, she was just a little-a little-er-give me a word.

Parbury.

Would the word exigeant apply?

Colonel.

Admirably. Perhaps you have noticed in Mabel the slightest tendency? Eh?

Parbury.

Well, well!

Colonel.

Her mother's jealousy, too, was something amazing. I hope I'm not conceited, but in those days I was just a little-er-popular, and perhaps I ought not to confess it, a little-er-give me a word.

Gunning.

Human.

[They laugh slightly.

Colonel.

[With affected severity.] Clement, I hope you are not too human?

Parbury.

Quite the contrary, I a.s.sure you, Colonel.

Colonel.

Then why-I suppose, after all, it is my duty to ask-why does Mabel come home with me to-night?

Parbury.

She is simply using pressure to get her own way in a matter in which I think her way the wrong way.

Colonel.

Gad! they do like their own way, don't they? Well, no doubt she'll be more reasonable to-morrow. I think I may trust you.

Parbury.

You may-absolutely.

Enter Mrs. Parbury. She has put on a hat and a cloak.

Mrs. Parbury.

[Going to Gunning.] You'll forgive me, I'm sure, Mr. Gunning. Good-night. You'll have Clement all to yourself.

Gunning.

Good-night, Mrs. Parbury.

[They shake hands. Parbury joins her, C.

Parbury.

[In a low voice.] Don't go, Mabel. It's very foolish.

Mrs. Parbury.

[Softening.] You could prevent me if you wished.

Parbury.

I'm opposed to all violence.

Mrs. Parbury.