_Staffurth._ That's what we all said several times when we heard it.
Well?

_Furness._ Well, I mean, this wants thinking about. I had no---- My
career--only eighteen months----

_Staffurth_ (_breaking out at last_). You beastly egotist! You think of
nothing but your rotten career. You cur, you hound, you dog! You----

_Furness_ (_annoyed_). Now I warn you, Staffurth, I may only be about
half your size, but I shall have to thrash you severely if you talk like
that.

_Staffurth._ You dog.

_Furness_ (_with dignity_). For the sake of your wife, go before I climb
up you and strike you. [_Exit_ Staffurth.

CURTAIN.

* * * * *
Illustration: A THREATENED STRIKE.

_John Staffurth_ .. Mr. C. AUBREY SMITH.
_CAPTAIN FURNESS_ .. MR. OWEN NARES.

* * * * *

III.

_The Drawing-room again._

_Barbara_ (_joyfully_). Diana, I've got some exciting news for you.
Guess!

_Diana._ You're going away?

_Barbara._ No!

_Diana._ Oh, well, after all you've only stayed with us six months.
Er--you've got a new dress?

_Barbara._ No.

_Diana._ No; that was a silly one. Er--John's got a half-holiday?

_Barbara._ No. Well, I must tell you! Diana, you're not going to die
after all! The doctors made a mistake!

[_Exit._

_Diana._ Not going to die? But then I don't want to run away with
Philip. (_Rushes to desk and seizes the telephone._) I must let him
know. (_With a shriek_) Help! the telephone's broken! Then I have
nothing to live for. (_She takes out poison from poison drawer._) I
shall count three before I drink. One--two---- Why doesn't John come?
One--two---- If he isn't quick he'll be too late. One----

_Enter_ John _quickly._

_John_ (_looking at his watch._) My darling, I have just time to forgive
you. Let us be happy together again.

_Diana._ But the telephone's broken!

_John_ (_embracing her tenderly_). My darling, I've sent for a man to
mend it.

_Diana_ (_much moved_). My husband!

A. A. M.

* * * * *

"Miss Gluck only arrived in London from New York after a tour in
America earlier in the morning, and proceeded to Richmond to
rest."--_Times._

Which she must have wanted after her busy morning.

* * * * *

Illustration: _First Visitor from the country_ (_to second ditto_).
"AY, FRED, LONDON'S THE PLACE TO SEE THE SWELLS ENJOYING THEMSELVES THIS
TIME O' Y