_Mrs. Toov._ (_falling back in the box, speechless with fury_). And _this_ is the treatment Pa exposes me to--all those unmanly wretches laughing at me! But I don't care; here I stay till Pa comes. _Oh_, this smoke; I shall be poisoned by it soon! Upon my word, there's a bold hussy coming on to sing, in a man's coat and black satin knee-breeches. I'll stop my ears; they shall see there's _one_ woman here who respects herself! (_She does so, during that and the subsequent performances; an hour passes._) How much longer am I to be compelled to remain here? This is terrible; three creatures in tight red suits, got up to look like devils! I wonder they've no fear of being struck dead on the stage! They're standing on each other's stomachs. I daren't look on at such blasphemy! I'll take off my spectacles; then, at least, my eyes won't be offended by seeing anything distinctly! (_She removes her glasses, and replaces them in their case, which she lays on the box-ledge._) They're gone, thank goodness. What's this? There's someone opening the box-door. Pa--at last! Well, I'm ready for him! [_She stiffens in her chair._ _Attendant's Voice_ (_outside_). This is Box C, Miss. Can I bring you any refreshments? Bottle-ale, stout, lemonade, Miss? _A Female Voice._ I--I don't know. There's a gentleman with me; he'll be here directly; he only stopped to speak to somebody. Ah, he's coming now. _Mrs. Toov._ "Miss"?! This is Pa's party, then. _Oh!!_ [_A quietly dressed, and decidedly good-looking girl enters, and starts on seeing that the box is already occupied._ _Mrs. Toov._ (_rising in towering wrath_). You were not expecting to find _me_ here, Miss, I've no doubt? _The Girl_ (_sitting down_). No; PHIL didn't say there would be anyone else; but any friend of his I'm sure---- _Mrs. Toov._ PHIL? you dare to call him "PHIL!" Do you know who I am, you insolent girl, you? I am his Wife! _The Girl._ His wife? I don't believe it. Are you sure you don't mean his mother. My _Phil_ married to _you_, indeed--a pretty story! _Mrs. Toov._ (_trembling with rage_). Go out of this box instantly, or I'll make you! _The Girl._ I shall do nothing of the kind. Wait till my friend comes, and we'll soon----(_As the door opens._) PHIL, PHIL, here's an abusive old female here who pretends she is your wife, and wants to order me out. I believe she must either be intoxicated or out of her senses! _Mrs. Toov._ (_pouncing upon the newcomer and boxing his ears soundly_). Is she? it is you who are out of _your_ senses, Pa! Take that--and _that_--and now come home with me, do you hear? _The Newcomer_ (_with his hand to his cheek_). "Pa," am I? I thought I was your _husband_ just now! Well, I must have married before I was born, either way. And now, perhaps, you'll explain what all this means? _Mrs. Toov._ (_faintly_). Oh, my goodness! I've made a dreadful mistake; it _isn't_ Pa! Let me go--let me go!