Look here—is there an older woman here—a housekeeper— AGNUS (_with sudden wild hope_) No, there isn’t. DOLL BLONDIN (_to The Devil_) Well, mind: no tricks! THE DEVIL (_pained_) My dear girl! DOLL BLONDIN I’m as much the lady (_primly_) as any you know, even if I am on the stage. Anybody ’ud think I was a crocodile or some other wild beast the way people stare. Not used to seeing girls who know how to dress, I guess. What do these rubes know about class? AGNUS (_in anguish_) This is impossible! DOLL BLONDIN (_eyeing him; to The Devil_) Servant? AGNUS Madam! DOLL BLONDIN How _dare_ you call me “Madam”— THE DEVIL He’s a “rube,” as you say. Worse—a German “rube.” [_The light darts viciously._ THE DEVIL The worst kind of a “rube.” (_Going over to the window he calls hastily to Agnus_) Ring for the servant, Schwartzenhopfel! AGNUS (_violently_) But I tell you— THE DEVIL (_pointing to garden_) Some people coming. [_Agnus runs over to window; then he runs back and rings wildly._ DOLL BLONDIN I’m here for studying. (_Severely_) That’s why I left New York where gentlemen know how to treat ladies: real gentlemen—millionaires—that could buy and sell this tank town. One of them gave me this chance; a chance mighty few girls get—a part in a Vienna opera. No objections to a piano, is there? AGNUS A piano? A piano! THE DEVIL No objection whatever. (_Points to Agnus_) My German friend will tune it for you. One good thing about Germans—they can all tune pianos. [_The light darts viciously._ TOPLISS (_enters from the stairway; an unintelligent but smart-looking Englishman who wears a morning coat with gilt buttons; says to The Devil_) You rang, sir? THE DEVIL The young lady will board here— [_The bell at the garden door rings._ THE DEVIL (_hastily_) On whatever terms she says—a room for her piano and her meals—and a bedroom— DOLL BLONDIN And bath! TOPLISS There’s only two baths, sir—yours and mine— THE DEVIL Give her half of yours. DOLL BLONDIN Bathe in a servant’s bath-tub! I should say _not_—I’m as much of a lady as— THE DEVIL (_interrupting_) I will share yours, Topliss. DOLL BLONDIN (_contemptuously_) You _must_ be hard up. [_The bell is heard ringing again. Topliss goes to answer it._ AGNUS (_agonizedly_) Show her to her rooms, Topliss. [_Topliss looks haughtily at Agnus._ THE DEVIL I’ll see to the door, Topliss. [_Topliss takes the small hand-bag from Doll Blondin._ DOLL BLONDIN (_to Topliss, loftily_) Next time you’ll see your master before turning people down. [_Doll Blondin and Topliss go out by hall door._ THE DEVIL (_running to hall door and calling after Doll_) Come down later and make yourself at home. [_Agnus seats himself and buries his face in his hands groaning. The Devil goes to door and admits John Magnus, Mrs. Felix and Fanny._ MAGNUS Tromper, the Judge, and the Professor have gone for a ride around Rothlyn. I thought—this having become a somewhat personal matter—