VENUS. She must die! I myself will crush her! ALPH. (_Aside._) I must drop Jane a postcard. (_Aloud._) What do you want to crush her for? VENUS. Because she is in my path! And shall any mortal maid stand between you and I? ALPH. But we are to be married shortly. VENUS. Do as you will, I will ever be between you. ALPH. Eh, that's a bit thick for me! (_Aside._) I must kick her a bit. (_Aloud._) You see, there are a few little things you ain't aware of. There is a great difference between you and I--ain't the same--and I'm a respectable hairdresser; and what would people say if they saw me talking to a goddess with only her nightdress on? VENUS. You speak empty words. I know not what you mean. But this little I can glean from your worldly talk, you wish to evade me. But no, it shall never be. Let this suffice you, that I am here to fulfil the troth you have plighted. ALPH. I don't think so! I really must decline your generous offer with thanks. VENUS. Have a care. Being so young and handsome as thou art I pity thee! Do nothing rash--pause ere you rouse the fearful ire of Venus! ALPH. If it's all the same to you I'd rather not. VENUS. I leave you, then. Use the time I give you well in thinking of my words, till I come again. ALPH. (_Aside._) I'll move to-morrow! VENUS. For the present, farewell! ALPH. (_Pleased._) Oh, she's going at last! (_Aloud._) Shall I call a four wheeler? (_Opens door._) VENUS. Fool, I am not going to leave thy palace, I am going to take an aerial flight! I shall leave my statue with you here, while my inmost soul soars on high in Cyprus. ALPH. (_Excited._) Oh, what shall I do? I sha'n't be able to move her. Look here, Mrs. Venus, I---- VENUS. (_Backing up stage to window._) No more words! Farewell for the present! (_Gong, and flash of lightning. Venus is again transfixed in same position as Scene I._) ALPH. She's gone, and left her statue here behind her, and in exactly the same way as she was in those cursed gardens! Ah, a good thought! I might be able to get that ring. It can't hurt it if I broke its finger off with the poker--it's only stone! I'll try. (_He picks up poker, and just as he lifts it to strike Venus, flash of lightning and gong.--Business.--He drops poker._) It's a frost! But I won't give in till I do get it! If I could only get that ring off it would be all right. Well, I'll just cover it over for the present. (_Puts haircutting cloth over it._) No, a better idea. I'll put it behind this screen. (_He manages to carry Venus into cupboard and puts table before door._) There, she can't get out of there in a hurry! _Enter HANDSAW, R. U. E._ HAND. This is the place. I think this fellow might give me some clue as to the whereabouts of the missing statue. (_Enters shop and shouting._) Shop! ALPH. (_Frightened._) I'm not guilty. HAND. Ah, did I frighten you? (_Aside._) Ah, that looks suspicious! I'll get a clue here. ALPH. Hair cut or shave?