If Only etc. Part 43

ROSALINE.

Mr. Sylvester is in there. Here, if you don't want to be seen, get into this cupboard.

HENRICH SCHERCL.

Is it glean? Are you sure?

ROSALINE.

 

Clean as a new pin. Come on if you mean it, there's no time to waste.

Now or never?

HENRICH SCHERCL.

(_Going into cupboard, gingerly_). I am certain it is not glean.

(ROSALINE _shuts the door and turns as_ MRS. SYLVESTER _re-enters with_ MRS. TEMPENNY).

MRS. SYLVESTER.

I told you so! Here she is as bold as bra.s.s. Now what do you say to that?

MRS. TEMPENNY.

If indeed my husband brought her here--if he has really a.s.sisted Mr.

Sylvester to deceive you--

MRS. SYLVESTER.

(_Scornfully_). "IF!" The creature does not deny it. Speak, girl.

ROSALINE.

Good afternoon.

MRS. SYLVESTER.

"Good afternoon?" It isn't a "good afternoon" I want you to say. Speak, I tell you.

ROSALINE.

What shall we talk about?

(_R.D. slowly opens a little_--_showing_ REMBRANDT TEMPENNY _and_ CHARLES SYLVESTER _listening_).

REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.

(_Aside to_ CHARLES SYLVESTER). Can you do it, do you think?

CHARLES SYLVESTER.

I can do it.

REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.

Threaten to punch my head.

CHARLES SYLVESTER.

Yes, yes--and you had better be very violent too.

REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.

I twig. Wait a moment.

(_They withdraw_).

MRS. TEMPENNY.

(_Bursting into tears_). I will never forgive him as long as I live.

MRS. SYLVESTER.

I should think not. When I see Charles--!

MRS. TEMPENNY.

Oh, and when I see Rembrandt--!

MRS. SYLVESTER.

I _will_ see him, if I stop till midnight!

MRS. TEMPENNY.

And _I'll_ see him, if I don't go home for a week!

(_Enter_ REMBRANDT TEMPENNY _backwards, very disordered attire_--_his entrance to suggest that he has been flung in_. CHARLES SYLVESTER _follows_).

CHARLES SYLVESTER.

(_With affected fury_). If you did not bring this person here, sir, how did she come?

REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.

How?

CHARLES SYLVESTER.