_Mr. Toov._ (_to himself_). Oh, dear me, she's seen the flap! Why do they put the name outside--so thoughtless of them! (_He opens the letter._) Yes, it _is_ the order. I _can't_ show it to CORNELIA! (_Aloud._) I--I told you I was making inquiries. _Mrs. Toov._ About CHARLES'S habits? So you've written to the Manager, without consulting me! Well--what does he say? _Mr. Toov._ (_to himself_). I don't like these deceptions--but I _must_ consider poor CHARLES. (_Aloud._) Oh--hum--very little, my love, very little indeed, but satisfactory--most satisfactory--he's no complaint to make of CHARLES--none whatever! _Mrs. Toov._ As if it was likely you would get the truth from such a tainted source! Let me see his letter. _Mr. Toov._ (_pocketing the letter again, hastily_). No, my dear love, you must excuse me--but this is a private and confidential communication, and--and, in common fairness to CHARLES--I'll trouble you for another cup of tea. (_To himself._) It's for this very night. I've a great mind not to go. How am I to make an excuse for getting away? (_Aloud._) I've half a mind to run up some time, and--and look in on CHARLES. _Mrs. Toov._ (_to herself_). If CHARLES is misconducting himself, I ought to know--and I _will_, sooner or later. I'm sure THEOPHILUS is keeping something from me. (_Aloud._) I've only put in one lump, Pa. You may find him at home if you went up this afternoon. _Mr. Toov._ (_relieved_). An excellent suggestion, my love. I _will_ go this afternoon. He--he might ask me to stay and dine with him; so if--if I don't come back, you'll know where I am--eh? You won't be anxious? _Mrs. Toov._ (_to herself_). He's trying to spare me, but I can see he's _most_ uneasy about CHARLES. (_Aloud._) Well, Pa, I don't like the idea of your dining out without me--it will be the first time for years--but still, I shall have to be away myself this evening; there's a special meeting of the Zenana Mission Committee, and Mrs. CUMBERBATCH made such a point of my attending--so, if you feel you really _ought_ to see CHARLES---- _Mr. Toov._ Oh. I _do_, my dear. He--he wants looking after. And perhaps, if I could have a little quiet, serious talk with him, after dinner--or over a game of draughts. (_To himself._) What a dissembler I've become; but I _do_ mean to look in on CHARLES, before I go to this Eldorado place, and there _may_ be time for a game of draughts! _Mrs. Toov._ You would learn more, THEOPHILUS, by putting a few questions to his landlady. But remember, when you come back, I shall insist on being told everything--_everything_, mind! _Mr. Toov._ Oh, of course, my love, of course. (_To himself._) If my visit proves satisfactory, I--I might tell her. It will depend on how I feel--entirely on how I feel. END OF SCENE VI. SCENE VII.--_The Drawing-room. It is after luncheon._ Mrs. TOOVEY _is sitting knitting_.