[_Handing SHEBA the bill._] Take this horrid thing--never let it meet my eyes again. As for the scandalous costumes, they shall be raffled for in aid of local charities. Confidence, that precious pearl in the snug shell of domesticity, is at an end between us. I chastise you both by permanently withholding from you the reason of my absence from home last night. Go!
[_The girls totter out as SIR TRISTRAM enters quickly at the window, followed by GEORGIANA, carrying the basin containing the bolus. SIR TRISTRAM has an opened letter in his hand._
Good heavens, Jedd! the analysis has arrived!
[_To GEORGIANA._] How dare you confront me without even the semblance of a blush--you who have enabled my innocent babies, for the first time in their lives, to discharge one of their own accounts.
There isn't a blush in our family--if there were, you'd want it.
[_SHEBA and SALOME appear outside the window, looking in._
Jedd, you were once my friend, and you are to be my relative.
[_Looking at GEORGIANA._] My sister! [_To SIR TRISTRAM._] I offer no opposition.
But not even our approaching family tie prevents my designating you as one of the most atrocious conspirators known in the history of the Turf.
As the owner of one-half of Dandy Dick, I denounce you!
As the owner of the other half, _I_ denounce you!
_SHEBA and SALOME enter, and remain standing in the recess, listening._
The chief ingredient of your infernal preparation is known.
It contains nothing that I would not cheerfully administer to my own children.
I believe you. [_Pointing to the paper._] Strychnine! Sixteen grains!
[_Clinging to each other terrified._] Oh!
Strychnine! Summon my devoted servant Blore, in whose presence the innocuous mixture was compounded. [_GEORGIANA rings the bell. The girls hide behind the window curtains._] This analysis is simply the pardonable result of over-enthusiasm on the part of our local chemist.
You're a disgrace to the pretty little police station where you slept last night!
I will prove that in the Deanery Stables the common laws of hospitality have never been transgressed. Give me the bowl! [_GEORGIANA hands THE DEAN the basin from the table._] A simple remedy for a chill.
I, myself, am suffering from the exposure of last night. [_Taking the remaining bolus and opening his mouth._] Observe me!