k to Dibbs.

(Exit GRACE, R. 2 E.

MRS. S. Now, Dibbs, what is that in your hand?

DIBBS. Nothing, mum. (Producing hand from behind back,
empty.)

MRS. S. The other one?

DIBBS (passing card from hand to hand behind him). Same, mum!

MRS. S. Both together! (Business, etc.) Ah! I thought so!
(Taking card from him.) You may go--stop--(reading card.)
Show the lady up, and not a word of warning to her that
she will meet _me_ instead of your master. If you breathe a
syllable to her you shall be discharged. Keep whistling all
the while go that I may know you are not telling her. (DIBBS
whistles Dead March and goes off slowly; he is heard in the
distance as if he went downstairs. The sound becomes louder
as he returns with lady.)

Enter DIBBS, followed by MISS LOTTIE BLITHERS; she is a
showily-dressed young lady of prepossessing appearance.

MRS. S. (to DIBBS, who continues to whistle). That will do!

(Exit DIBBS.

MISS B. Pardon my intrusion, madam, but I have called
respecting a gentleman residing here.

MRS. S. Indeed!

MISS B. I have written to him more than once, but received
no answer.

MRS. S. Recently?

MISS B. To-day.

MRS. S. (recollecting the letter of Act I.). Written
here--was your letter signed "Lottie"?

MISS B. Yes. It's my name. I have placed myself in a false
position, and I want my husband at once to release me from it.

MRS. S. Have you brought him with you?

MISS B. No--I am here to find him!

MRS. S. To find him! (Aside.) That letter was _not_ for Fred,
but for Sam, after all. (Aloud.) When did you last see him?

MISS B. Last night.

MRS. S. (aside). So he took advantage of my short absence!
(Aloud.) Madam, I am loath to hurt your feelings, but I fear
that you have been imposed upon by a _married man_!

MISS B. Married! Oh! I see now why he pretended our
union must be kept secret from the world! I am a wretched
woman! (Sobbing, sits L.)

MRS. S. I, too, have been blinded, but we will unmask the
traitor between us. Step in here!

MISS B. Oh! I could tear his eyes out!

MRS. S. That I could never allow you to do. I want to do
it myself!

(Exit MISS BLITHERS into room, L.

MRS. S. (locking door). Now to confront the double-dyed
deceiver! He shall not know I have learnt all his perfidies!
I know I