DOR. (_delighted_). No, really? Mollie? My dearest friend. There, I knew she had some secret. Pinky, I could just hug you, but I won't. I will reserve that demonstration for Mollie. (_Rings bell._) Do you remember what I told you about the fascinating little woman? Now Roger will have an opportunity to return some of your happy remarks. (_Enter_ POLLY.) Polly, my hat and wrap. POLLY. Yes, miss. (_Brings them from door_, R.) POTTS. Why, where are you going? (POLLY _helps_ DOROTHY _with wrap and exit_.) DOR. To see Mollie, of course, and talk it all over. I will tell her what a sweet lamb I think you are. (_Exit_, C.) POTTS (_laughing_). Good enough, Potts: your ears will burn steadily for just one hour. No, I will follow and save my reputation. (_Exit._) (_Enter_ NEWCOMB _and_ PETE.) NEW. The colonel will see me in his private room? PETE. Yes, sah; dis way, sah. (_Goes towards door_, L.; RUTH _enters, closes door, and stands before it_.) RUTH. What would you have, Mr. Newcomb? NEW. I would speak with the colonel, madam. RUTH. Not in this house. You have done mischief enough with your treachery. My house shall see no more of it. NEW. Harsh words from you, an old friend, Mrs. Graham. RUTH. Don't call us friends, Mr. Newcomb. The time is past for that. From the first, your presence has been distasteful to me. I tried to be courteous, for you posed as my husband's friend. Now that we know you in your true colors, I can speak freely. I loathe and despise you; leave this house. NEW. Excuse me, Mrs. Graham, but your husband has given me his word that he will see me. RUTH. And you have mine—you shall not see him. NEW. You are a clever woman, Mrs. Graham, and though you once scorned my love, I cannot but admire your courage. RUTH (_scornfully_). Your love! That is an emotion which has never entered your being. Your heart is too cold and treacherous; it cannot harbor that which is loyal and true. I am only too thankful that I escaped such pretensions. NEW. Have a care, madam; I am too dangerous to trifle with. Let me pass! No woman shall stand in my way! (_Tries to take her from door by force_; ROGER _enters, takes_ NEWCOMB _by shoulder and turns him round_.) ROGER. What are you trying to do, sir? NEW. Roger Carruth! You here? ROGER. Yes, I am here. RUTH. He wishes to hold a private interview with the colonel, and I object. ROGER. Pete, tell your master I would like to see him here. PETE. Yas, massa. (_Aside._) Golly, tribulations am a-comin'. Massa Newcomb wish he were a deader. [_Exit_, L. NEW. Mr. Carruth, this interview is for the colonel alone. ROGER. Sorry, Newcomb, but as I take an active interest in your welfare, you must submit to my presence. COL. (_enters_). Roger and Newcomb together? ROGER. Yes, colonel. Newcomb wishes to see you on a matter of business; I surely think I have the right to hear. COL. No one has a better. Speak, Newcomb, before us all.