_Mrs. M_. Oh, I hope not! I remember now hearing he was going to retire, because his throat was weak, or else he was going into Parliament, or a Retreat, or something or other. But I'm sure, FRANK, ALTHEA wouldn't quite like to---- _Col. M_. Then of course there's no more to be said. I only thought she might be amused, you know. _Alth_. But indeed I should, Colonel MERRIDEW, please let us go! _Mrs. M_. But, THEA, dear, are you sure you quite understand what the Eldorado _is_?--it's a music-hall. Of course it's all right, and everyone goes nowadays; but, still, I shouldn't like to take you if there was any chance that your mother might disapprove. You might never be allowed to come to us again. _Alth_. (_to herself_). They're both dying to go, I can see; it's too hateful to feel oneself such a kill-joy! And even Mr. CURPHEW admitted that a music-hall was no worse than a Penny Reading. (_Aloud_.) I don't think Mamma would disapprove, CISSIE; not more than she would of my going to theatres, and I've been to _them_, you know! _Col. M_. We'd have a box, of course, and only just get there in time to hear WILDFIRE; we could go away directly afterwards, 'pon my word, CECILIA, I don't see any objection, if Miss TOOVEY would like to go. Never heard a word against WILDFIRE'S singing, and as for the rest, well, you admitted last time there was no real harm in the thing! _Alth_. Do say yes, CISSIE. I do want to hear this WALTER WILDFIRE so! _Mrs. M_. I'm not at all sure that I ought to say anything of the sort, but there--I'll take the responsibility. _Col. M_. Then that's settled. We'll take great care of you, Miss TOOVEY. I'll just go down to the Rag, CECILIA, and send out to get a box. I'll see if I can find someone to make a fourth, and I daresay we shall manage to amuse ourselves. [_He goes out_. _Mrs. M_. THEA. I really don't feel quite happy about this. I think I'll go after FRANK and tell him not to get that box after all; he won't have left the house yet. [_She attempts to rise_. _Alth_. No, CISSIE, you mustn't, if it's on my account. I won't let you! [_She holds her back_. _Mrs. M_. But, THEA, think. How would you like this Mr. CURPHEW to know that----? _Alth_. (_releasing her suddenly_). Mr. CURPHEW! What does it matter to me what Mr. CURPHEW----? ... There, Colonel MERRIDEW has gone, CISSIE, I heard the door shut. It's too late--and I'm glad of it. We shall go to the Eldorado and hear WALTER WILDFIRE after all! [END OF SCENE VIII. * * * * * [Illustration: THAT BORE THE MAJOR!] * * * * *