I must really ask you, ladies and gentlemen, to take it quietly for a few minutes.
The staircase isn't just the thing for ladies and gentlemen at the present moment. I shall have to ask the ladies and gentlemen to use the Escape.
[_Turning to the window._] The Escape! is it? Where?
It'll be here in two minutes. In the meantime, I think Mr. Goff could wile away the time very pleasantly with a reminiscence or two. Ladies, Mr. Goff--
Oh, take us away! Take us away! [_Mallory, Saunders, and Reginald soothe the ladies, Jaffray goes to the window and looks out._]
[_Pleasantly seating himself and taking off his helmet._] Well, ladies, I don't know that I can tell you much to amuse you--however--
Be quiet, sir--we will not be entertained!
[_Carrying a hose from the window to the door. _] Really, gentlemen, I must say I've never heard Mr. Goff treated so hasty at any conflagration. [_He carries the hose out._]
A fireman full of anecdote! I decline to appreciate any reminiscence whatever. So do we all!
It was in July, '79, ladies--my wife had just brought my tea to the Chandos Street Station--[_Jaffray re-enters and goes to the window._]
The Escape, ladies and gentlemen--that window--one at a time. [_There is a general movement and hubbub. Goff rises, he and Jaffray disappear by the window on the left. Mallory throws open the other window, and Jaffray appears outside and receives Dinah, Gwendoline, Ermyntrude, Peggy, and Jane as they escape._]
Mr. Mallory--Mr. Saunders--good evening! [_Reginald disappears by the right-hand window. Saunders goes after him, Mallory is about to follow when Queckett enters hurriedly. Queckett is in a tall hat, a short covert coat, and carries gloves and an umbrella. He is flourishing a letter._]
I'm going back to save some valuables. Directly you get down post that letter. Oh, Jack, it's so important.
[_Looking at the letter._] To the Eagle Fire Insurance Company.
Quite so--slipped my memory. [_Mallory disappears. Jaffray follows him. _]
[_Hurrying to Queckett._] My dear Queckett, it is the commander's duty to be the last to leave the ship--you are master here. Thank you for your hospitality. Good-night.
My dear Rankling, thank you for coming to see me. Good-night. [_Jaffray appears at the window._]