No. No. I'll get rid of her. (_Runs to window, and leans out--calling_.) Don't wait, my dear. I'm busy. I'll be with you soon. ROSALINE (_contemptuously_). Why, you're scared out of your life of her I can see! I have had enough of this,--I don't want the job. (_As if to go_.) REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. (_Leaving window and running back to her_). I tell you if you don't sit to me I'm a ruined man. Rosaline, I implore you! MRS. TEMPENNY (_off_). I am coming up at once. REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (_rushing to window again_). On no account, my darling, I can't be disturbed. ROSALINE. I'm off. Ta-ta. REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (_back to her again_). You shan't go--I'll lock you in first. There! (_Locks door, and takes out key_.) MRS. TEMPENNY (_off_). Rembrandt, I must come up. Something is the matter. REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. No, no, no. Go home, and see the tradespeople, catch! (_Takes out the two sovereigns, and runs to window again: in his excitement he throws with the wrong hand--throwing out key_.) Good Lord! I've thrown her the key. (_Leans out of the window_.) She is coming upstairs. Skip inside there till she goes. Hurry! (_Motions_ ROSALINE _off R_.) ROSALINE (_scornfully_). Wives, wives, wives! (_Exit Rosaline_.) MRS. TEMPENNY. Rembrandt! Why did you keep me waiting--there's a sheriff's officer on his way here with a warrant. He has been at the house, and the servant ran round to Sylvester's to tell me. You must escape. REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. Escape? MRS. TEMPENNY. Fly! REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. I can't fly--I am not built for flying. MRS. TEMPENNY. Then you must hide. REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. Where? MRS. TEMPENNY. (_Pointing to room where Rosaline is concealed_.) There! REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. No, no, Hark! (_Very heavy steps are heard ascending stairs_.) REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. I hear a footfall. MRS. TEMPENNY (_in terror_). Hide yourself--quick. REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (_in terror_). I can't. MRS. TEMPENNY. Why not? REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (_loftily_). A hero never hides. Ah, I have it. I'll jump from the window. (_Struggles into his coat and hat_.) MRS. TEMPENNY. There is the conservatory underneath. REMBRANDT TEMPENNY. I'll jump clear of it. Don't let him in for a minute. (_He plants a lay-figure in front of canvas, with its back to door in flat, then proceeds to dress it up to resemble himself at work. Brush in hand, etc_.) GROGGINS (_off_). Mr. Tempenny! (_Knocks at door_.) MRS. TEMPENNY. Who's there? (_She goes to door, half opening it, so that_ GROGGINS _has a partial view of lay-figure_.) GROGGINS. I have a warrant here for Mr. Rembrandt Tempenny--matter of forty pun'. MRS. TEMPENNY. Sh! He is painting. GROGGINS. I can't help whether he's painting or not, marm. The question is whether he is paying or not. MRS. TEMPENNY. Man, my husband cannot be disturbed. Don't you see?--he is inspired. GROGGINS. Well, he'll be in--Wandsworth if he don't part. MRS. TEMPENNY. Sh! talk softly. Your voice will jar upon him.