What? Let the mysterious person who has won Miss Dyott pause before he steps between a young bride and bridegroom! Ladies, Miss Dyott's husband is ours for the holidays. One frown from him and his dinners shall be wrecked, his wine watered, his cigars dampened. He shall find us not girls but Gorgons! [_A loud knock and ring are heard at the front door. Jane crosses the hall._] ERMYNTRUDE, GWENDOLINE, AND DINAH. [ _Under their breath._] Miss Dyott! Miss Dyott! [_They quickly disappear. Peggy remains, hastily concealing the letter. Miss Dyott enters. She is a good-looking, dark woman of dignified presence and rigid demeanour, her dress and manner being those of the typical schoolmistress._] Is that Miss Hesslerigge? PEGGY. [Demurely.] Yes, Miss Dyott. MISS DYOTT. How have the young ladies been employing themselves? PEGGY. I have been reading aloud to them, Miss Dyott. MISS DYOTT. Is Mr. Que------is my husband down yet? PEGGY. I've not had the pleasure of seeing him, Miss Dyott. MISS DYOTT. You can join the young ladies, thank you. PEGGY. Thank you, Miss Dyott. [_In the doorway she waves Reginald's letter defiantly, but quickly disappears as Miss Dyott turns round._] MISS DYOTT. Now, if Vere will only remain upstairs a few moments longer! [_She goes hurriedly to the left-hand door, listens, and turns the key, then to the centre door, listens again and appears satisfied, after which she throws open the window and waves her handkerchief, calling in a loud whisper._] Mr. Bernstein! Mr. Bernstein! I have left the door on the latch. Come in, please. [_Closing the window and going to the door. Very shortly afterwards, Otto Bernstein, a little elderly German, with the air of a musician, enters the room._] Thank you for following me so quickly. [_Closing the door and turning the key._] BERNSTEIN. You seemed so agitated that I came after your cab mit anoder. MISS DYOTT. Agitated--yes. Tell me--miserable woman that I am--tell me, what did I sound like at rehearsal this morning? BERNSTEIN. Cabital--cabital. Your voice comes out rich and peautiful. Marks my vord--you will make a hit to-night. Have you seen your new name in de pills? MISS DYOTT. The pills? BERNSTEIN. The blay-pills. MISS DYOTT. I should drop flat on the pavement, if I did. BERNSTEIN. It looks very vine. [_Quoting._] "Miss Gonstance Delaporte as Queen Honorine, in Otto Bernstein's new Gomic Opera, 'Pierrette,' her vurst abbearance in London." MISS DYOTT. Oh, how disgraceful! BERNSTEIN. Disgraceful! To sing such melodies! No--no, please. Disgraceful! Vy did you appeal to me, dree weeks ago, to put you in the vay of getting through the Christmas vacation? MISS DYOTT. [_Tearfully._] You don't know everything. Sit down! I can trust you. You are my oldest friend, and were a pupil of my late eminent father. Mr. Bernstein, I am no longer a single woman. BERNSTEIN. Oh, I am very bleased. I wish you many happy returns of the--eh--no--I congratulate you.