Nay, nay, not pollute. You should call it _(Imitating Mrs. McFee.)_ "contameenate." That's right. Blaze away at me with those eyes of yours. You may keep quiet with your body, but you can't take the fight out of your eyes. I tell you that blaze gives value to your kisses, and now I'm going to-- _(Leans forward to kiss her, while she remains motionless and passive. He pauses, with lips close to hers.)_ Nothing like prolonging anticipation, eh? You know you said I was masculine, intensely masculine. How do you like it? How do you like leaning up against the wall of my strength? Ah, you beauty! You beauty! FREDA _(Suddenly listening.)_ Minnie! Open the door! _(A jingling of dog bells is heard without, and a man's voice crying "Haw!" Maid runs toward the door. Vanderlip listens, still holding Freda close in his arms. A knock at door. Maid throws open door.)_ FREDA _(In triumphant voice, as door is thrown open.)_ Now will you let go of me? _(Enter Mrs. Eppingwell, followed by Capt. Eppingwell and a Northwest mounted Policeman.)_ _(Mrs. Eppingwell, looking at Policeman, points at Vanderlip.)_ _(Policeman hesitates, embarrassed at interrupting such a scene.)_ _(Vanderlip and Freda in consternation, he still holding her. He releases her abruptly and is himself all awkwardness and confusion. Freda separates from him, moving away unconsciously several steps, her eyes fixed upon Mrs. Eppingwell.)_ FREDA _(Surprise, awe, etc.)_ You! MRS. EPPINGWELL _(Sharp and businesslike.)_ Yes, I. And I am glad I am not too late. FREDA _(Striving to recover her poise, speaking automatically in artificial manner.)_ Delighted, I assure you. _(With sudden break in manner, becoming candid.)_ No, I am not delighted at all. MRS. EPPINGWELL I should scarcely think so. FREDA It is intrusion. MRS. EPPINGWELL It is intrusion, I know, but-- FREDA _(Interrupting, again artificial manner.)_ Oh, not at all. _(Starting toward Mrs. Eppingwell.)_ Won't you take off your wraps? _(To Maid.)_ Minnie! _(Maid offers to help Mrs. Eppingwell off with wraps.)_ MRS. EPPINGWELL _(Declining Maid's offer.)_ No, it is not necessary. We shall stop only a moment. FREDA _(Artificial manner.)_ I hope you'll pardon my curiosity, but--_(Hesitates an instant.)_ --why didn't you come sooner? What was the delay? MRS. EPPINGWELL _(Indicating Policeman, who bows.)_ I had to get this gentleman. It took time-- POLICEMAN _(Interrupting, bowing.)_ Sorry. MRS. EPPINGWELL And then I went to the wrong water-hole. _(Freda and Vanderlip both start, Mrs. Eppingwell observing Vanderlip's start.)_ Good morning, Mr. Vanderlip. VANDERLIP _(Awkwardly.)_ Hum, yes. How do you do? Good morning. FREDA _(The real state of affairs dawning on her.)_ I see. You expected to find me at the water-hole. _(Mrs. Eppingwell nods.)_ And you didn't. MRS. EPPINGWELL No. Then I went to the other water-hole. FREDA Expecting to find me? MRS. EPPINGWELL Yes. Then I came here.