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As for my wretched self, the confession of my weaknesses must be reserved for another time--another place. [_To GEORGIANA._] To you, whose privilege it is to shelter in the sanct.i.ty of the Deanery, I give this earnest admonition. Within an hour from this terrible moment, let the fire be lighted in the drawing-room--let the missing man's warm bath be waiting for its master--a change of linen prepared.
Withhold your judgments. Wait.
NOAH.
This is none of your business. Coom on.
THE DEAN.
I am ready!
[_NOAH takes him by the arm and leads him out._
GEORGIANA.
Oh, what am I to think of my brother?
HANNAH.
[_Kneeling at GEORGIANA'S feet._] Think! That he's the beautifullest, sweetest man in all Durns.h.i.+re!
GEORGIANA.
Woman!
HANNAH.
It's I and my whistle and Nick the fire-brigade horse what'll bring him back to the Deanery safe and unharmed. Not a soul but we three'll ever know of his misfortune. [_Listening._] Hark! They're off!
NOAH.
[_Outside._] Get up, now! Get-oop, old girl!
HANNAH.
[_With a cry._] Ah! [_Rus.h.i.+ng to the door and looking out._] He's done for!
GEORGIANA _and_ SIR TRISTRAM.
Done for!
HANNAH.
The Dean can whistle himself blue! Noah's put Kitty in the cart, and left Old Nick at home!
THE END OF THE FIRST SCENE.
_The second scene is the Morning Room at the Deanery again._
_SALOME and SHEBA are sitting there gloomily._
SALOME.
Poor Papa!
SHEBA.
Poor dear Papa!
SALOME.
He must return very soon--he must!
SHEBA.
He must! In the meantime it is such a comfort to feel that we have no cause for self-reproach.
SALOME.
But the anxiety is terribly wearing.
SHEBA.
Nothing is so weakening, Salome.
SALOME.
Sheba, dear.
SHEBA.
[_Clinging to SALOME._] If I should pine and ultimately die of this suspense I want you to have my workbox.
SALOME.
[_Shaking her head and sadly turning away._] Thank you, dear, but if Papa is not home for afternoon tea you will outlive me.
[_Turning towards the window as MAJOR TARVER and MR. DARBEY appear outside._
DARBEY.
[_Outside._] Miss Jedd! Miss Jedd!
SALOME.
Sheba! Here are Gerald Tarver and Mr. Darbey!
