And you did so? Of course, you would. (_Looks at watch_). Four o'clock--too late to do anything to-day. I will go up first thing to-morrow morning and see if anything can be done. Not that I expect anything _can_. Ben's got his failings, but he _is_ a good business man. I'll give a look into your affairs at the same time, mater. I don't suppose you'll get anything back, but it will be interesting to find out where it's all gone to. MRS. BEN DIXON. (_Rising with grunt of disgust_) Ah! and to think I've got to live with it, and to call it "my dear" when company's present. I'll make up for it in private. Theo, keep an eye on me for a bit. Don't let me get at him unless you want to see me doing my six months' hard for wringing his neck. (_Goes out_) THEODORE TRAVERS. You trust him, mater. He won't let you get at him. (_To Cherry_) Don't let Ben see that you suspect anything, or he'll---- (_Primrose appears at window_) PRIMROSE DEANE. (_Looking in_) Come on, Theodore. I'm waiting for you. THEODORE TRAVERS. I know you are. You shall be rewarded anon. I've just got to talk a little business with Mr. Cherry (_Puts his hand on Cherry's shoulder, and takes him towards door._) Come up to my study. We shan't be interrupted there. It's so very kind of you. THEODORE TRAVERS. Not at all--not at all. (_Aside._) Good material for a financial novel. (_They go off._) (_Primrose and Nelly come in from garden_.) PRIMROSE DEANE. Nelly! something very serious is going on here. Mr. Ben Dixon's been doing something that he oughtn't. (_She sits before piano, touching the keys softly, making a faint suggestion of music here and there throughout the conversation_). I'm afraid it's a common failing, dear. Yes--but he's been doing it more than usual. I don't like that man. Ted doesn't like him either. He says he is an oily old scoundrel. NELLY MORRIS. Ted might speak a little more respectfully of his host. PRIMROSE DEANE. Oh, he's not our host. It's _Mrs_. Ben Dixon--and besides that was only to _me_, you know. NELLY MORRIS. Oh! PRIMROSE DEANE. I never could make out why Mrs. Ben Dixon married him. She's so jolly. (_Musingly._) One does come across some very ill-assorted couples--very. When are you going to be married, Nelly? NELLY MORRIS. Very soon, I think. PRIMROSE DEANE. May I be bridesmaid? NELLY MORRIS. Oh, there won't be any bridesmaids, dear, or anything of that sort. We shall just go into the church, our two selves, come out, and go away. PRIMROSE DEANE. No breakfast? NELLY MORRIS. ( Shakes her head and smiles.) No fuss of any kind. PRIMROSE DEANE. No dress! No flowers! No presents! No people! No cake! (_Nell shakes her head_.) How will you know that you're married? NELLY MORRIS. (_A little bitterly._) I shall wake to the fact soon enough. PRIMROSE DEANE.