HORACE. No, not at all. You might get another pillow. MINNIE. (_Does so._) Shall I put you out the whiskey? HORACE. Um—yes—you may as well. (_MINNIE gets whiskey from table L. and two syphons and jar of biscuits. Aside_) Dear little girl. How she does love me! I must get her a ring, or a pin, or a thimble to-morrow. That will make her perfectly happy. MINNIE. I’ll pour you out a glass. Say when. HORACE. Upon my word, you are a perfect treasure! MINNIE. Oh, Horace, do you really mean it? (_Pauses in pouring._) HORACE. Of course I mean it—but go on pouring, don’t stop. Now. MINNIE. Don’t sit up too late, dear. You mustn’t work too hard. You’ll strain your eyes. HORACE. No danger, but I shall want some more oil in the lamp. Will you please tell Bella. MINNIE. Certainly. Now promise me you won’t tire yourself. (_Kisses him._) Promise. HORACE. All right, dear, I promise. MINNIE. For my sake. (_HORACE kisses her with a touch of finality._) MINNIE. Now I’ll see how Auntie is getting on. (_Goes to door L._) HORACE. Minnie. MINNIE. (_Returning, expecting a caress_) Yes? HORACE. I was going to say—— MINNIE. Yes, darling? HORACE. (_Changing his mind_) You won’t forget about the oil? (_Enter AUNT in new dress, followed by BELLA with wraps, which are put on sofa up stage. Exit BELLA R._) AUNT. Here I am, dear. Quite ready. Haven’t I been quick? MINNIE. Oh, Auntie, you are a picture! You ought to be framed. HORACE. (_Aside_) And hung. AUNT. You little flatterer. I think it is rather nice myself. Put on your cloak, dear. Is the cab ready? MINNIE. I don’t know—I don’t think that—— AUNT. What? Do you mean to say he hasn’t ordered a cab? Horace! Horace! MINNIE. Don’t disturb him. He is reading the “Astronomer.” AUNT. The “Astronomer,” indeed! I’ll make him see stars! Horace! Horace! (_At table. MINNIE L._) HORACE. Oh, what is it? What is it? AUNT. Have you ordered a cab? HORACE. I’ve ordered nothing but a little peace and quiet which doesn’t come at my call. AUNT. Well, why not? Horace, why have you not ordered a cab? HORACE. Oh, bother! Don’t interrupt, for goodness’ sake! AUNT. (_Snatches his paper away and throws it over her shoulder_) Why haven’t you ordered a cab? HORACE. Why should I order a cab? AUNT. It is the very least you could do. Go and order one at once, please. HORACE. Where are the servants? AUNT. Bella is not engaged to run errands outside the house. I daren’t ask cook, and Jane has company. HORACE. Well, give her company a bob and let him go. AUNT. Her company, as it happens, is not a he. You must go. HORACE. Please, and clearly understand, I am not going out in the cold again to-night. You seem to forget that I am in a very delicate state of health, and if I were to venture out on a night like this the consequences might be most serious. MINNIE. Perhaps I could go. AUNT. It’s abominable of him! (_Enter BELLA with note._) BELLA. A note, ma’m. AUNT. For me? BELLA. Yes, ma’m.