at child learning
everything? She knows more than enough already! Providentially,
she does not know the worst!

VICAR. And what knowledge do you consider Providence has so kindly
spared her?

AUNTIE. The knowledge who that man was! She shall never know, if
I can have my way! [She rings the bell again, impatiently.] Why
doesn't he come? Why doesn't he come?

VICAR. Who?

AUNTIE. Manson.

[Enter MANSON by the main door. There is a subtle change in the
manner of him, a look in his eye, as of the servant merging in the
master.]

MANSON. You rang.

AUNTIE. Yes, come in, Manson. I want to have a little
confidential talk with you--confidential, you understand.

MANSON [eying her]. If you please. I expected this.

[He has the air of a judge. She hurries on, unheeding.]

AUNTIE. Manson, you saw everything. You were here when that
dreadful creature arrived.

MANSON. Which?

AUNTIE. Why, my husband's brother, Robert. Didn't you tell me,
William, that Manson heard everything he said?

VICAR. Yes.

AUNTIE. Then you will know the wretched plight we are in. Manson,
it's terrible. I want your help. By-the-way, you have not spoken
about it to the other servants?

MANSON. I am always most discreet.

AUNTIE [touched]. Thank you, Manson, thank you: I felt that I
could trust you. It's to prove my trust that I've sent for you
now. Perhaps I'd better begin by explaining everything quite
clearly, so that you . . .

MANSON. There is no need. I know everything already.

AUNTIE, Everything! How? . . .

MANSON. A certain gift of divination--mine by birth. And,
besides, you forget that I had a long conversation with your
brother-in-law after master left the room.

AUNTIE. What! Whilst my brother was here?

MANSON. Yes: we all three had breakfast together.

AUNTIE. Breakfast together! Then James has heard all!

MANSON. Not quite all. You may have observed that your brother is
a little deaf.

AUNTIE. But surely-- What did he think?

MANSON. He mistook him for your husband.

AUNTIE. My husband!

MANSON. Your brother is also a little blind, remember.

AUNTIE [delighted]. Then James never found out? . . .

MANSON. Oh yes: I took care to undeceive him on the point.

AUNTIE. Good gracious! How did he take it?

MANSON. At first, a little angrily; but, after a while, some few
poor words of my own chanced to move him to more--_profitable_
meditation.

AUNTIE.