Methought I heard the dropping of a pin!-- Perhaps I should arise and search for it.... Yet why, on second thoughts, disturb myself, Since I am, by my settlements, to have A handsome sum allowed for pin-money? Nay, since thou claim’st thy freedom, little pin, I lack the heart to keep thee prisoner. Go, then, and join the great majority Of fallen, vagrant, unregarded pinhood-- My bliss is too supreme at such an hour To heed such infidelities as thine. [_Falls into a happy reverie._ _Enter_ First and Second Bridesmaids. _First and Second Bridesmaids._ What, how now, Emily--not yet attired? Nay, haste, for Peter will be here anon! [_They hurry her off by_ R. _door, just as_ PETER PARAGON _enters_ L. _in bridal array. N.B.--The exigencies of the Drama are responsible for his making his appearance here, instead of waiting, as is more usual, at the church._ _Peter_ (_meditatively_). The golden sands of my celibacy Are running low--soon falls the final grain! Yet, even now, the glass I would not turn. My Emily is not without her faults “_Was_ not without them,” I should rather say, For during ten idyllic years of courtship, [Illustration: “It is a Pin!”] By precept and example I have striven To mould her to a helpmate fit for me. Now, thank the Gods, my labours are complete. She stands redeemed from all her giddiness! [_Here he steps upon the pin, and utters an exclamation._ Ha! What is this? I’m wounded ... agony! With what a darting pain my foot’s transfixed! I’ll summon help (_with calm courage_)--yet, stay, I would not dim This nuptial day by any sombre cloud. I’ll bear this stroke alone--and now to probe The full extent of my calamity. [_Seats himself on sofa in such a position as to be concealed by the screen from all but the audience, and proceeds to remove his boot._ Ye powers of Perfidy, it is a pin! I must know more of this--for it is meet Such criminal neglect should be exposed. Severe shall be that house-maid’s punishment Who’s proved to be responsible for this!-- But soft, I hear a step. [_Enter_ First _and_ Second Bridesmaids, _who hunt diligently upon the carpet without observing_ Peter’s _presence._ _Emily’s Voice_ (_within_). Oh, search, I pray you. It _must_ be there--my own ears heard it fall! [PETER _betrays growing uneasiness._ _The Bridesmaids._ Indeed, we fail to see it anywhere! _Emily_ (_entering distractedly in bridal costume, with a large rent in her train_). You have no eyes, I tell you, let me help. It must be found, or I am all undone! In vain my cushion I have cut in two ’Twas void of all but stuffing ... Gracious Heavens, To think that all my future bliss depends On the evasive malice of a pin! [PETER _behind screen, starts violently._