[The three go out.] [Temple re-enters from the Dressing-room, packs the clothes Sir Tristram had been wearing during the day, closes the portmanteau and goes out.] [Enter Blyth, carrying a lady's hat and clothes. He looks about, and then beckons at the door of the Reception-room.] [Enter Europa Troop, as Cressida.]
Blyth. [Pointing to the Business-room] In there.
A smell of leather; Ledgers; business-smell; red ink and copying-ink-- The faintest spice: I feel them in the air. Turn out the light.
[Blyth extinguishes the light in the Business-room.]
The smells are out as well. I saw the books, the pots. Turn up the light.
The smells again. The senses, Blyth, are glued Together. Did you ever see a smell?
Europa. Oh, yes!--fumes. Now Blyth, is this correct? Won't Abbot and his clerks be here again?
Blyth. That's not the counting-house. Sir Tristram's own.
Europa. This is the most palatial theatre! Dispose my things--there, on the roll-top desk.
Blyth. [Counting the money] One short. You promised five.
Europa. [Gives a fifth sovereign] I know I did. I thought you'd let me off.
Europa. That's the style! _We_ can collaborate.
Blyth. What are you getting at? What do you want to know?
Europa. I'll tell you, Blyth. I want to know what makes this theatre feel Uncanny. All the time I'm like a ghost Astray in some mirage.
Blyth. A plump one, lady; A very handsome one.
Europa. Thanks, Blyth; I'm fit. I'll tell you something else, because I like you: I want to take possession of Sir Tristram; I have it in me, Blyth. What do you think?
Blyth. Sir Tristram's married and a gentleman.
Europa. And I'm an actress: an actress, do you see? And furthermore, and most, there's not a crowd Of actresses in London, or in the world.
Blyth. A many actresses have tried it on.
Europa. And all have failed, and all were bound to fail; But every one prepared Europa's path.
Blyth. Sir Tristram's reputation's not that kind. He's most respectable in every way: The clergy patronize him.
Europa. I know all that.-- Well, kiss me, Blyth; my cheek. You're handsomer Than Tristram. What! Are _you_ respectable?
Blyth. No; but the money. I stick to that, you know.
Europa. Oha! Ohe! Why, there's another lot; [Gives him money and kisses him.] And this for being so smart a simpleton. You're mine, remember; body and soul, you're mine.