_(Makes a motion to open door.)_ MRS. McFEE _(Aghast, throwing up arms.)_ No! No! Dinna be rash! _(She hastens away into ballroom.)_ _(Several couples have entered from ballroom and are promenading, among them Capt. Eppingwell, by himself, in domino.)_ _(Enter Sitka Charley through street door, looking for some one. He mistakes Capt. Eppingwell for Vanderlip.)_ SITKA CHARLEY Hello, Vanderlip. You no come Freda's cabin you catch um hell, sure. CAPT. EPPINGWELL _(Starting, and in disguised voice.)_ Hello. What's Freda want with me. SITKA CHARLEY _(Recognizing that it is not Vanderlip's voice, and surprised.)_ You no Vanderlip? CAPT. EPPINGWELL _(Imitating Sitka Charley's voice.)_ No. Me Sitka Charley. SITKA CHARLEY What for, crazymans? Me Sitka Charley. CAPT. EPPINGWELL Me Sitka Charley. SITKA CHARLEY No, me. CAPT. EPPINGWELL No, me. _(He suddenly takes off domino, disclosing himself in make-up of Sitka Charley. Sitka Charley gazes at him dumbfounded. Rubs his eyes.)_ You buy um dogs, good dogs, I sell. SITKA CHARLEY You me. Who me? _(Rubs his eyes.)_ What for? Everybody crazy. Me crazy too. CAPT. EPPINGWELL _(Struck by an idea, he puts on domino again, and drags Sitka Charley by arm to back of room.)_ Come on, we'll have some fun. _(Feels in pocket of overcoat hanging on wall and brings out a mask, which he puts on Sitka Charley.)_ Now for fun! _(Capt. Eppingwell takes Sitka Charley to left, thrusts him into ballroom, and remains in doorway, watching.)_ _(Enter Freda. Capt. Eppingwell stands aside for her to pass. But she stops and measures his height and build with her eye.)_ FREDA _(Softly.)_ At last I've found you, Floyd. CAPT. EPPINGWELL I like that, guessing me the first time. And who are you? FREDA _(Surprised.)_ Oh! It was a mistake. _(Starts to leave him, but he follows her, detaining her.)_ CAPT. EPPINGWELL Not so fast, fair lady. I've an idea you'll dance-- _(Looks at his dance-card.)_ --the next quadrille, let us say. FREDA I think it's engaged. I've lost my programme. CAPT. EPPINGWELL _(Putting hand inside domino and bringing forth a programme.)_ I have a spare one. Allow me. _(He writes on card.)_ _(Enter Sitka Charley from left, running away from Clown, who is striking him on back with bladder.)_ FREDA Thank you. The next quadrille then. _(Looking at Sitka Charley.)_ There is somebody I wish to speak to. Good-by. CAPT. EPPINGWELL _(Standing aside.)_ Good-by. _(Mrs. McFee enters from left with man, whom she takes to street door and who relieves Prince, who makes exit to left.)_ _(Freda joins in pursuit of Sitka Charley and drives Clown away.)_ _(Mrs. McFee watches Freda and Sitka Charley.)_ FREDA _(Severely.)_ I thought you had started up the trail with the dogs long ago. Anything the matter? SITKA CHARLEY