POM. Ah, I forgot! you are fresh from Eden; the Green Room, my dear madam, is the bower where fairies put off their wings and goddesses become dowdies--where Lady Macbeth weeps over her lap-dog's indigestion, and Belvidera groans over the amount of her last milliner's bill. In a word, the Green Room is the place where actors and actresses become mere men and women, and the name is no doubt derived from the general character of its unprofessional visitors. MABEL. And is it possible that Ernest, Mr. Vane, frequents such places? POM. He has earned in six months a reputation that many a fine gentleman would give his ears for--not a scandalous journal he has not figured in--not an actress of reputation or no reputation, but gossip has given him for a conquest. MABEL. You forget, sir, you are speaking to his wife. POM. On the contrary, madam; but you would be sure to learn this, and it is best you should learn it at once and from a friend. MABEL. Is it the office of a friend to calumniate the husband to the wife? POM. When he admires the wife, he reprobates the husband's ill-taste in neglecting her. MABEL. Do you suppose I did not know of his having invited Mrs. Woffington to his house to day? POM. What! you found her out? you detected the Actress-of-all-work under the airs of Lady Betty Modish. MABEL. Lady Betty Modish! POM. Yes; that was La Woffington. MABEL. Whom he had invited hither to present her with a copy of verses. POM. Et cetera. MABEL. And who in an actress's sudden frolic, gave herself and her companions those titles without my husband's connivance. POM. Vane could not have explained it half so well. These women are incredibles. MABEL. Had the visit been in any other character, do you think he would have chosen for it the day of my arrival? POM. Certainly not, if he knew you were coming. MABEL. And he did know; why here (_seeing letters on table L._) are my letters announcing my intention to start--my progress on the road--the last written from Barnet, only yesterday. [_While speaking she has gone to the salver, and hastily taken the letters, which she offers Pomander with triumph. He takes them with an uncertain air, looks at them--gives them back to her--after a pause--_ POM. (_coolly_). The seals have not been broken, Madam. MABEL (_bursting into tears_). Unopened! It is too true! Flung aside unread! and I have learned by heart every word he ever wrote to me. Sir, you have struck down the hope and trust of my life without remorse. May heaven forgive you! POM. Madam! let me, who have learned to adore you---- MABEL. I may no longer hold a place in my husband's heart--but I am still mistress of his house--leave it, Sir! POM. Your wishes are my law (_going_),--but here they come! (_crosses to L._) Use the right of a wife, watch them unseen, and you will soon learn whether I am mistaken, or you misinformed.