_She re-renters, with bonnet on and cloak over her arm, and stands in surprise, watching him._
_He_ (_aside_). Now’s my chance. Mixture of passions--I’ll try suspicion first.--(_Aloud._) Because I do not approve of the people you are going to meet--these Thursbys and Careys and Wyldes.
_She_ (_calmly sitting on sofa_). Perhaps you would like to revise my visiting-list, and tell the servant whom I am to receive.
_He._ You may see what ladies you please--
_She_ (_interrupting_). Thank you; still, I do not please to see Mrs. Lightfoot.
_She._ Oh dear, no! I dare say you keep it as secret as you can.
_He_ (_aside_). Simple suspicion is useless. What’s next? (_Glances in pamphlet:_) “Peevish personalities.” I will pass on to peevish personalities.--(_Aloud._) Now, these men, these fellows who strut about the stage for an idle hour, who are they? This Tom Thursby, who wanted to make love to you--who is he?
_She._ Are you going to ask many questions? Is this catechism a long one? If it is, I may as well lay aside my shawl.
_He._ Who is he, I say, I insist upon knowing.
_She._ He’s a good enough fellow in his way.
_He_ (_sternly_). He had best beware how he gets in _my_ way.
_She_ (_aside_). There’s a great change in his manner: I do not understand it.
_He._ And this Dick Carey--who is he? (_Stalking toward her._)
_She_ (_starting up and crossing_). Are you trying to frighten me by this violence?
_He_ (_aside_). It is producing an effect.
_She._ But I am not afraid of you, if I am a weak woman and you are a strong man.
_He_ (_aside_). It is going all right.--(_Aloud, fiercely._) Answer me at once! Is this Carey married?
_He._ You believe! Don’t you know? Does his wife act with these strollers? Have you not seen her?
_She._ I have never seen her. She and her husband are like the two buckets in a well: they never turn up together. They meet only to clash, and one is always throwing cold water on the other.
_She._ Yes; and his wife is always keeping him in hot water.
_He._ And so he comes to you for consolation?
_She_ (_laughing_). He needs no consoling: he has always such a flow of spirits.
_She_ (_surprised, aside_). Can Jack be jealous? I wish I could think so, for then I might hope he still loved me.