_Persis._ Sport! You are like the wicked boy, and I the innocent frog. What’s sport to you is death to me. Last night he told me of his proposed visit. This morning I found in his room beneath his pillow--for we both lodge beneath the same roof; and I, in his absence, enter his sanctum as a privileged guest of that dear and worthy Mrs. Sprygs, who lets rooms at five dollars per week, lights included--
_Charles_ (_aside_). For particulars, see small bills.
_Persis._--Beneath the pillow, which his ambrosial locks had pressed, I found this note, and this picture (_shows photograph_). Do you recognize it?
_Charles_ (_looks at photograph_). Good heavens! My wife!
_Persis._ Your wife? Then you, like me, are a victim. I blush for my anger. Let us in each other’s arms mingle our tears (_approaching_ CHARLES _with arms extended_).
_Charles_ (_backing to_ R.). Not just yet. Explain this, and at once.
_Persis._ Does it need explanation? Here is the picture, and here the note signed Rosa Bean. A clandestine correspondence. I see it all, at once. Under the pretext of a day’s sport, he comes here to make love to your wife.
_Persis._ Speak gently of the erring. I love him. Yes, spite his faults, I love him still. I am here to save him--to save you. I am a succoring angel.
_Charles._ Give me that note (_takes note_). Not my wife’s handwriting; evidently disguised. O, Jenny, Jenny, have I lost-you?
_Persis._ O, Dixie, Dixie, have I lost you?
_Dolby_ (_outside_). Hallo! Charley, old boy, where are you?
_Persis._ His voice. How it thr-r-r-ills me! But he must not see me here. Where can I hide? (_Goes to door_ L.) In this room? Get him away, and I will return. Then we can make plans to circumvent them.
_Charles._ But, madam, that’s my wife’s room. She’s gone. Can I be awake? My Jenny corresponding with my friend! And he in love? O, it’s absurd!
(DOLBY _appears at door with a fishing-rod in case, a gun, and a scoop-net with handle, clumsily held in his arms; a game-bag swung one side, and a fishing-basket the other_.)
_Dolby._ Ah, there you are, Charley. And here I am, armed and equipped as the law directs. (_Attempts to enter; gun gets across the doorway. Backs and tries again; net gets across the doorway. Business repeated._) Well, well, this is getting interesting (_enters_). Ah! here we are (_drops everything on floor, and runs to_ CHARLES, _hands extended_). How are you, old fellow? Alive and kicking? Domestic bliss and rural felicity? Happy chap!