Oh, certainly. [_Changing their seats._ SIR TRISTRAM. Now, look here, my man. This lady is Mrs. Tidman. Mrs. Tidman is the sister of Dr. Jedd, the Dean of St. Marvells. HANNAH. [_With a gasp._] Oh! GEORGIANA. There's something wrong with your wife. NOAH. Ay. She's profligate--proceedins are pendin'! GEORGIANA. [_To SIR TRISTRAM._] Strange police station! My flesh creeps. SIR TRISTRAM. [_To NOAH._] Well, my good man, to come to the point. My poor friend and this lady's brother, Dr. Jedd, the Dean, you know--has mysteriously and unaccountably disappeared. GEORGIANA. Vanished. SIR TRISTRAM. Gone. NOAH. Absconded. GEORGIANA. Absconded! How dare you. NOAH. Respectable man, was 'e? GEORGIANA. What do you mean? SIR TRISTRAM. This lady is his sister! NOAH. Now, look 'ere--it's no good a gettin' 'asty and irritable with the law. I'll coom over to yer, officially. [_Putting the baking tin under his arm he crosses over to SIR TRISTRAM and GEORGIANA._ SIR TRISTRAM. [_Putting his handkerchief to his face._] Don't bring that horrible odor of cooking over here. GEORGIANA. Take it away! What is it? NOAH. It's evidence against my profligate wife. [_SIR TRISTRAM and GEORGIANA exchange looks of impatience._ GEORGIANA. Do you realize that my poor brother the Dean is missing? NOAH. Ay. Touching this missin' De-an. GEORGIANA. I left him last night to retire to rest. SIR TRISTRAM. This morning he is not to be found! NOAH. Ay. 'As it struck you to look in 'is bed? GEORGIANA _and_ SIR TRISTRAM. Of course! GEORGIANA. Everybody did that! NOAH. One 'ud a done. It's only confusin'--hall doin' it! Money matters right or wrong? [_GEORGIANA puts her handkerchief to her eyes._ SIR TRISTRAM. Do put your questions more feelingly! This is his sister--I am his friend! NOAH. You will push yourselves forrard. Had he anything on his mind? GEORGIANA. Yes! NOAH. Then I've got a the'ry. GEORGIANA _and_ SIR TRISTRAM. What is it? NOAH. A the'ry that will put you all out o' suspense! GEORGIANA _and_ SIR TRISTRAM. Yes, yes! NOAH. I've been a good bit about, I read a deal, and I'm a shrewd experienced man. I should say this is nothin' but a hordinary case of sooicide. [_GEORGIANA sits faintly._ SIR TRISTRAM. [_Savagely to NOAH._] Get out of the way! Georgiana? GEORGIANA. Oh, Tris, if this were true how could we break it to the girls? NOAH. I could run oop, durin' the evenin', and break it to the girls. SIR TRISTRAM. [_Turns upon NOAH._] Look here, all you've got to do is to hold your tongue and take down my description of the Dean, and report his disappearance at Durnstone. [_Pushing him into a chair._] Go on! [_Dictating._] "Missing. The Very Reverend Augustin Jedd, Dean of St. Marvells." Poor Gus! Poor Gus! HANNAH. [_Softly to GEORGIANA._] Lady, lady. [_NOAH prepares to write, depositing the baking-tin on the table._ GEORGIANA. [_Turning._] Eh? HANNAH. Hush! Listen to me!