_Mrs. Toov._ Then it's hardly fit to be played upon _my_ piano. I shouldn't wonder if it came out of one of those abominable music-halls! _Alth._ (_to herself_). She must mean something by that. If she was there after all! (_Aloud, distressed._) Mamma, what makes you say that? Do--do you _know_? _Mrs. Toov._ (_in equal confusion_). Know! Explain yourself, child. How could I possibly----? (_To herself._) I shall betray myself if I am not more careful! _Alth._ I--I thought--I don't know--it was the way you said it. (_To herself._) I very nearly did for myself _that_ time! _Mrs. Toov._ (_as_ ALTHEA _strikes more chords_). For goodness' sake, THEA, either play a proper piece, or shut up the piano and take up some useful work. There's the crazy-quilt I've begun for the Bazaar; you might get on with that. _Alth._ (_closing the piano_). The colours _are_ so frightful, Mamma! _Mrs. Toov._ What does that signify, my dear? When it's for a charity! Really, I'm beginning to think this visit to town has not had at all a good effect upon you. You've come back unable to settle down to anything. Yes, I see a great change in you, ALTHEA, and it's not confined to the worldly way you do your hair. I sincerely hope it will not strike Mr. CURPHEW as it does me. You know he is dining here this evening? I told him in my note that if he _liked_ to come a little earlier----(_Significantly._) I think he has something to say to you, THEA. Perhaps you can guess what? _Alth._ (_twisting her hands nervously_). Oh no, Mamma. I--I can't see Mr. CURPHEW--not alone, I mean. _Mrs. Toov._ Don't be ridiculous, my dear. You know perfectly well that he admires you. He has very properly spoken first to your father, and we both consider you a most fortunate girl. He is a truly excellent young man, which is the _first_ consideration; and, what is even _more_ important, he is, as far as I can gather, making an excellent income. And you can't deny that you were interested in him from the very first. _Alth._ N--not in that way, Mamma. At least, not any longer. _Mrs. Toov._ Nonsense. If Mr. CURPHEW proposes, I shall be seriously annoyed if you put him off with any foolish shilly-shallying. Mind that. And here he is--at least, it's _somebody_ at the front door. I've mislaid my glasses as usual. And if it is Mr. CURPHEW, I shall send him in here at once; so remember what I've said. (_She goes out into the hall, and discovers her nephew_ CHARLES.) So it is _you_, CHARLES! You're rather earlier than I expected. _Charles._ Nothing much doing at the office, Aunt. And I thought I might have to dress for dinner, you know.