have him firmly on the hook--and I will play with
him in order to watch his struggles! He comes, the wretch!

Enter SELWYN, R. 2 E., looking very anxious; seeing his
wife he assumes a sickly sort of smile.

SEL. So glad you are here, dearest!

MRS. S. (confronting him, severely). You told me Lottie's
letter was _not_ for you.

SEL. Lot--Lottie! (Nervously).

MRS. S. I speak plainly, do I not? Lottie--_you_ know Lottie?

SEL. Yes! I know--or I did know--a lot of Lotties--but all
at a respectful distance--and a very long while ago.

MRS. S. I refer to last night only!

SEL. (aside). Done for! She's found me out! (Aloud.) Last
night? Let me see--where was I last night?

MRS. S. No doubt where you have often been before.

SEL. (aside). She means the "Geranium." Yes, my dear,
I _have_ been there before--but alone! always alone!

MRS. S. Samuel! Elaborate lies are useless--She's here now!
Yes, she came for _you_ and saw _me_!

SEL. (feebly). Appearances _may_ be against me, but----

MRS. S. No excuses! If you don't make a full confession of
everything you did last night, never hope to be forgiven. I have
only to open that door, and _she_ will give me a full account
herself, but I prefer to hear it from _your_ guilty lips! Go on!

SEL. (with an effort). Well, Bella! Last night, feeling
lonely, I wandered down Knightsbridge way, and dropped in on
Dobbinson--and that's all! (Pulling up suddenly.)

MRS. S. That's _not_ all! Shall I open the door?

SEL. (anxiously). No! no! Well, after dinner, feeling unwell,
the salmon had disagreed with me, I think--I started to walk
home--and--and--that's all!

MRS. S. (sternly). Go on, sir!

SEL. (piteously). I was near the Marble Arch when I heard
footsteps behind me--female footsteps--I turned and beheld a
lady--so--I--I--hastily fled--and that's all!

MRS. S. Sir! It is _not_ all!

SEL. Isn't it? If you know so much about it, why ask me?

MRS. S. I mean to make you feel ashamed of yourself! Go on!

SEL. She asked me the way to Ludgate Hill--and that _is_ all!

MRS. S. (sternly). Go on!

SEL. Nearly all! I directed her--and I won't deny (for
I scorn evasion!) that I even accompanied her as far as
Piccadilly! And there I left her, and if that isn't all may
I be----

MRS. S. You _will_ be--no doubt! I have heard enough of
your miserable confession. (Giving key.) Now open the door,
and let the creature go