_(Completely beaten, slowly.)_ Then who the deuce are you? Where could you have learned that accent? FREDA _(As one will tell a story.)_ Why, I was caught in a storm over on Indian River. We were compelled to seek shelter in a little cabin, and whom should we find there, likewise driven in by the storm, but this Freda Moloof. There was no standing on ceremony nor conventionality. It was life or death, and in I went. We were storm-bound two days. And she was very kind to me. _(A pause, then, voice tender and sympathetic.)_ I felt so sorry for her. _(A pause.)_ CAPT. EPPINGWELL _(Impatiently.)_ Well? FREDA Well, I studied her, that is all. CAPT. EPPINGWELL _(Triumphantly.)_ Now I have you! You are the woman reporter of the _Kansas City Star!_ FREDA _(Mockingly.)_ Think so? Think so? _(She laughs.)_ Now I am really going to leave you. I must. But don't forget that waltz. _(She walks away and makes exit to left.)_ CAPT. EPPINGWELL _(In utter bewilderment, watching her till she disappears.)_ Well, I'll be damned. _(He puts on domino and follows after her, still intent on discovering her identity, and makes exit to left.)_ _(The quadrille is over, and as he passes out, couples begin to enter from left.)_ _(Mrs. McFee and Sitka Charley enter from left. She still holds him captive, hanging on his arm.)_ MRS. McFEE _(Ingratiatingly, making as near a simper as her sour mouth and age will permit.)_ You might have asked me to dance, Captain. SITKA CHARLEY _(Rolling his head.)_ Me no dance. Me much sick. Me crazy. Me drunk. Me go home. _(Strives to get to street door, but she clings to his arm and holds him back.)_ MRS. McFEE Dinna you think by now, Captain, that you've convinced me what a fine actor you are? SITKA CHARLEY _(Striving for street door, but being held back, in final break-down of patience.)_ What for, dam fool woman you? MRS. McFEE _(Dropping his arm and recoiling.)_ Oh! SITKA CHARLEY _(In a rage, dancing about.)_ Crazy! Fool! Dam! What for? MRS. McFEE Oh! Oh! And I thought you were a gentleman! You have insulted me! SITKA CHARLEY _(Raging.)_ Sure! Me insult. Much insult. Dam! Dam! Dam! MRS. McFEE Oh! This cannot be Captain Eppingwell. 'Tis some base creature from the town. I am contameenated! _(Sticks fingers in ears and screams shrilly.)_ _(Many come running jrom ballroom at sound of screams. Sitka Charley still rages, shouting, "Dam! Dam! Dam!")_ _(Capt. Eppingwell comes in with some lady on arm and joins an onlooking group near stove to right. He still wears domino.)_ MRS. McFEE _(To onlookers.)_ This vile creature has insulted me. Where is the doorkeeper? _(Turns and beckons Doorkeeper.)_ Come you, Mr. McFarline, and eject this beast.