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ROSALINE (_scornfully_).
Wives, wives, wives!
(_Exit Rosaline_.)
MRS. TEMPENNY.
Rembrandt! Why did you keep me waiting--there's a sheriff's officer on his way here with a warrant. He has been at the house, and the servant ran round to Sylvester's to tell me. You must escape.
REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
Escape?
MRS. TEMPENNY.
Fly!
REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
I can't fly--I am not built for flying.
MRS. TEMPENNY.
Then you must hide.
REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
Where?
MRS. TEMPENNY.
(_Pointing to room where Rosaline is concealed_.) There!
REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
No, no, Hark!
(_Very heavy steps are heard ascending stairs_.)
REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
I hear a footfall.
MRS. TEMPENNY (_in terror_).
Hide yourself--quick.
REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (_in terror_).
I can't.
MRS. TEMPENNY.
Why not?
REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (_loftily_).
A hero never hides. Ah, I have it. I'll jump from the window.
(_Struggles into his coat and hat_.)
MRS. TEMPENNY.
There is the conservatory underneath.
REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
I'll jump clear of it. Don't let him in for a minute.
(_He plants a lay-figure in front of canvas, with its back to door in flat, then proceeds to dress it up to resemble himself at work. Brush in hand, etc_.)
GROGGINS (_off_).
Mr. Tempenny!
(_Knocks at door_.)
MRS. TEMPENNY.
Who's there?
(_She goes to door, half opening it, so that_ GROGGINS _has a partial view of lay-figure_.)
GROGGINS.
I have a warrant here for Mr. Rembrandt Tempenny--matter of forty pun'.
MRS. TEMPENNY.
s.h.!.+ He is painting.
GROGGINS.
I can't help whether he's painting or not, marm. The question is whether he is paying or not.
MRS. TEMPENNY.
Man, my husband cannot be disturbed. Don't you see?--he is inspired.
