_Mrs. Cagn._ (_to herself_). The old fox! So he's trying to ferret out something against him, is he? Well, he _won't_--that's all. (_Aloud._) If you _are_ his huncle, Sir, all I can say is, you've got a nephew to be proud on. I wouldn't wish to let my first floor to a steadier or a more industrious young gentleman; comes in punctual to a tick every night of his life and 'as his dinner, and sets studyin' his book till 'alf-past ten, which is his bed-time. I don't know what more you want. _Mr. Toov._ (_to himself_). This is really very satisfactory--if I could only believe it. (_Aloud._) But do I understand you to say that that is his invariable practice? Occasionally, I suppose, he goes out to a place of amusement--such as a music-hall, now? _Mrs. Cagn._ (_to herself_). Well, he may; and why not? He don't get into no mischief, though light-'earted. _I_ ain't going to give him a bad name. (_Aloud._) Lor, Sir, don't you go and put such ideas into his 'ed. Bless your 'art alive, if he knows there _are_ such places, it's as much as he does know! _Mr. Toov._ (_testily_). Now, now, my good woman, I'm afraid you're trying to deceive me. I happen to know more about my nephew's tastes and pursuits than you imagine. _Mrs. Cagn._ (_roused_). Then, if you know so much, whatever do you come 'ere and ask _me_ for? It's my belief you ain't up to no good, for all you look so respectable, comin' into my 'ouse a-pokin' your nose into what don't concern you, for all the world like a poll-pryin', sneakin' Russian spy! _Charles_ (_entering behind her_). Hallo, Mrs. CAGNEY, what's all this--who's a Russian spy, eh? (_Recognising_ MR. TOOVEY.) What--Uncle! you don't mean to say it's _you_? [Mr. TOOVEY _stands stricken with confusion_. _Mrs. Cagn._ I may have spoke too free, Mr. COLLIMORE, Sir, but when a party, as is elderly enough to know better, tries to put under'and questions to me about where and 'ow any o' my gentlemen pass their hevenins, and if they go to the music-'all and what not--why, I put it to you---- _Charles._ All right, Mrs. CAGNEY, put it to me some other time; you didn't understand my uncle, that's all--you needn't stay. Oh, by the way, I'm dining out again this evening. Tell CAGNEY to leave the chain, as I may be late. (_After_ Mrs. C. _has retired_.) Well, Uncle, I'm afraid your diplomacy hasn't had quite the success it deserved. [Illustration: "Mr. Collimore conducks hisself as a gentleman, and treats me as a lady."] _Mr. Toov._ (_sheepishly_). I assure you, my boy, that I--I was not inquiring for my own satisfaction. Your Aunt is naturally anxious to know how you---- But your landlady gave you an excellent character.