BARTHWICK she exhibits every sign of nervousness. MARLOW goes out.]

 

UNKNOWN LADY. Oh! but—I beg pardon there's some mistake—I [She turns to fly.]

 

BARTHWICK. Whom did you want to see, madam?

 

UNKNOWN. [Stopping and looking back.] It was Mr. John Barthwick I wanted to see.

 

BARTHWICK. I am John Barthwick, madam. What can I have the pleasure of doing for you?

 

UNKNOWN. Oh! I—I don't [She drops her eyes. BARTHWICK scrutinises her, and purses his lips.]

 

BARTHWICK. It was my son, perhaps, you wished to see?

 

UNKNOWN. [Quickly.] Yes, of course, it's your son.

 

BARTHWICK. May I ask whom I have the pleasure of speaking to?

 

UNKNOWN. [Appeal and hardiness upon her face.] My name is—oh! it doesn't matter—I don't want to make any fuss. I just want to see your son for a minute. [Boldly.] In fact, I must see him.

 

BARTHWICK. [Controlling his uneasiness.] My son is not very well. If necessary, no doubt I could attend to the matter; be so kind as to let me know—

 

UNKNOWN. Oh! but I must see him—I've come on purpose—[She bursts out nervously.] I don't want to make any fuss, but the fact is, last—last night your son took away—he took away my [She stops.]

 

BARTHWICK. [Severely.] Yes, madam, what?

 

UNKNOWN. He took away my—my reticule.

 

BARTHWICK. Your reti—?

 

UNKNOWN. I don't care about the reticule; it's not that I want—I 'm sure I don't want to make any fuss—[her face is quivering]—but —but—all my money was in it!

 

BARTHWICK. In what—in what?

 

UNKNOWN. In my purse, in the reticule. It was a crimson silk purse. Really, I wouldn't have come—I don't want to make any fuss. But I must get my money back—mustn't I?

 

BARTHWICK. Do you tell me that my son?

 

UNKNOWN. Oh! well, you see, he wasn't quite I mean he was

 

[She smiles mesmerically.]

 

BARTHWICK.