_Emily_ (_dreamily_). This day do I become the envied bride of PETER, justly surnamed PARAGON; and much I wonder what in me he found (he, who Perfection so personifies) that he could condescend an eye to cast on faulty, feather-headed EMILY! How solemn is the stillness all around me! (_A loud bang is heard behind screen._) Methought I heard the dropping of a pin!--perhaps I should arise and search for it.... Yet why, on second thoughts, disturb myself, since I am, by my settlements, to have a handsome sum allowed for pin-money? Nay, since thou claim'st thy freedom, little pin, I lack the heart to keep thee prisoner. Go, then, and join the great majority of fallen, vagrant, unregarded pinhood--my bliss is too supreme at such an hour to heed such infidelities as thine. [_Falls into a happy reverie._ _Enter_ First and Second Bridesmaids. _First and Second Bridesmaids._ What, how now, EMILY--not yet attired? Nay, haste, for PETER will be here anon! [_They hurry her off by_ R. _door, just as_ PETER PARAGON _enters_ L. _in bridal array. N.B.--The exigences of the Drama are responsible for his making his appearance here, instead of waiting, as is more usual, at the church._ _Peter_ (_meditatively_). The golden sands of my celibacy are running low--soon falls the final grain! Yet, even now, the glass I would not turn. My EMILY is not without her faults--"_was_ not without them," I should rather say, for during ten idyllic years of courtship, by precept and example I have striven to mould her to a helpmate fit for me. Now, thank the Gods, my labours are complete--she stands redeemed from all her giddiness! (_Here he steps upon the pin, and utters an exclamation_). Ha! what is this? I'm wounded ... agony! With what a darting pain my foot's transfixed! I'll summon help (_with calm courage_)--yet, stay, I would not dim this nuptial day by any sombre cloud. I'll bear this stroke alone--and now to probe the full extent of my calamity. (_Seats himself on sofa in such a position as to be concealed by the screen from all but the audience, and proceeds to remove his boot._) Ye powers of Perfidy, it is a pin! I must know more of this--for it is meet such criminal neglect should be exposed. Severe shall be that house-maid's punishment who's proved to be responsible for this!--but soft, I hear a step. [_Enter_ First _and_ Second Bridesmaids, _who hunt diligently upon the carpet without observing_ PETER's _presence._ _Emily's Voice_ (_within_). Oh, search, I pray you. It _must_ be there--my own ears heard it fall! [PETER _betrays growing uneasiness._ _The Bridesmaids._ Indeed, we fail to see it anywhere!