_Mrs. Toovey_ (_to herself_). I cannot think what has come to THEOPHILUS. He has come down late for prayers every morning this week. Such a bad example for any household, and Cook is beginning to notice it--I could see it in her eye as she came in. He is so strange in his manner, too; if I did not know he was absolutely incapable of--but _why_ did he secrete that abominable programme of CHARLES'S? He _said_ he kept it with a view to making inquiries, but I have heard nothing about them since. (_Aloud_, _to_ PH[OE]BE, _who brings in dishes and two letters_.) Oh, the post, PH[OE]BE? it's late this morning. (PH[OE]BE _goes out_.) One for Pa, and one for me--from ALTHEA--it was certainly time she wrote. (_Reading her letter._) "Delightful visit ... the MERRIDEWS so kind ... so much to see and do ... back on Monday ... no time for more at present." Not a word of where she's been or what she's seen--not at _all_ the letter a girl should write to her mother! I wonder whom Pa's letter is from? (_She turns it over._) What's this? "Eldorado Palace of Varieties" printed on the flap! Why, that's CHARLES'S music-hall! Then Pa _has_ been making inquiries after all. As CHARLES'S aunt I have a right to---- (_She is about to open the envelope._) No, I'd better not, I hear Pa's hum--he will be sure to tell me what they say. _Mr. Toovey enters_ (_humming, to give himself a countenance_). Ha, so you've had prayers without me? Quite right--quite right. _Mrs. Toov._ (_severely_). Anything _but_ right, Pa. You ought to have been down long ago. I heard you brushing your hair as I went out. _Mr. Toov._ (_feebly_). It was very tiresome, my love, but my collar-stud got under the wardrobe, and I couldn't get it out for ever so long. _Mrs. Toov._ Your things have taken to behave in a very extraordinary manner, Pa. Yesterday it was your braces! _Mr. Toov._ I--I believe it _was_ my braces yesterday. Ah well, we must bear with these little vexations--bear with them! (_To himself._) A letter for me? From the Eldorado! It's the box! I--I hoped Mr. CURPHEW had forgotten. [_He thrusts it into his pocket unopened, in a flurry._ _Mrs. Toov._ Is there any reason why you shouldn't read your letter, Pa? It may be of importance. _Mr. Toov._ I--I don't think it is, my love--particularly. It--it will keep till after breakfast. What is this--kedgeree? Ha! I've come down with quite an appetite--quite a famous appetite! [_He pecks at his kedgeree ostentatiously._ _Mrs. Toov._ Perhaps I'd better ring and have two more eggs boiled if you're so hungry as all that, Pa? _Mr. Toov._ (_in terror at this suggestion_). Not for me, my love, not for me. I--I've made an excellent breakfast! _Mrs. Toov._ Then now, Pa, perhaps you will be at leisure to read your letter. I am curious to know what correspondence you can possibly have with an Eldorado Palace.