_(A jingling oj dog bells is heard without, and shouts of men. A knock on street door. Maid opens door. Flossie appears in doorway and enters. Sitka Charley enters at her heels and closes door. Flossie is dazzled by the lights and looks about hesitatingly. She is well frosted up. A nose-strap is across her nose. She removes nose-strap. Looks about, and sees Vanderlip. Freda starts toward her, impulsively, to receive her.)_ FLOSSIE _(Making a weak little lame run toward Vanderlip, with infinite relief in her voice.)_ Floyd! VANDERLIP _(Dazed.)_ Flossie! _(He opens his arms and she staggers and falls into them. Her head lies on his breast for a space, while he holds her and stares helplessly around. Then she lifts her head, inviting the kiss, and perforce he bends head and kisses her.)_ FLOSSIE _(Infinite gladness.)_ Oh, Floyd! Floyd! VANDERLIP Dear, dear Flossie! FLOSSIE _(Still in his arms, but throwing her head back to look at him, in playful manner.)_ You big, impatient man! _(Vanderlip is puzzled, and only awkwardly pats her shoulder with one arm that is around her.)_ You cruel, cruel man! _(He is still puzzled.)_ Couldn't wait. Couldn't let me have my night's rest and arrive in the morning fresh. VANDERLIP Ah--hum--yes. _(She puts her lips up to him and he again kisses her.)_ _(Sitka Charley remains inside street door. Capt. Eppingwell is restless, betraying a feeling that it is time to go. Policeman is restless. Mrs. Eppingwell and Freda, now near to each other, are looking on.)_ FLOSSIE My! What lots of dogs you must have! VANDERLIP _(More puzzled than ever.)_ Hum, yes. FLOSSIE First came an Indian with six dogs. You know, the Indian with one eye. _(Mrs. Eppingwell and Capt. Eppingwell look at each other significantly. Vanderlip, after a moment's hesitancy, nods.)_ Then came the second Indian with eight dogs. _(Mrs. Eppingwell looks inquiringly at Capt. Eppingwell, who shakes head, then each looks bepuzzlement at the other. Vanderlip, again hesitating, nods.)_ And then came Sitka Charley with seven of the most magnificent dogs I ever saw. Oh, Floyd, they were just grand! _(Mrs. Eppingwell and Capt. Eppingwell look more bepuzzled than ever. Vanderlip looks across at Freda with comprehension, by his look as much as saying, "You are responsible for this." Freda smiles. Mrs. Eppingwell and Capt. Eppingwell observe the proceeding, and look at each other significantly.)_ We just flew along--like the wind! VANDERLIP _(Seeing the whole situation and lying up to it.)_ I just bet you did. I knew they'd bring you in on the jump. I told them I didn't want any loafing, and... well, from the looks of it, I guess there wasn't any. FLOSSIE _(Snuggling in against him.)_ Couldn't wait a bit longer, could you, dear? VANDERLIP _(Holding her closely.)_ You just bet I couldn't. POLICEMAN _(Unobserved by Flossie, whose back is toward him, stepping forward toward Vanderlip, the warrant still in his hand.)_.