ADELA. And you say that 'tis twelve years since---- SIMON. Yes! ADELA. 'Tis well! now you go to the park gate, and you will ring as if your mistress had returned. SIMON. My wife will be back directly--but as she is gone away---- ADELA. No matter; obey me, or I tell all. (_door, L., is violently shaken_) There he is--open yonder door--now, Mr. Harry, we shall see! (_runs off, door, R.--shaking at door, L., continues_) SIMON. (_staggering across_) Don't be in a hurry--don't be in a hurry! (_unbolts door, L.--FRANK darts on with scent bottle, which he rams against SIMON'S nose_) FRANK. Sniff--sniff! and then swallow it--eh? (_looking round_) Where is she? SIMON. Here I am, sir. FRANK. (_crossing to R._) The young lady that I left here fainting. SIMON. (_looking round_) Eh? yes, she _is_ gone. FRANK. (_trying R. door_) Fastened! (_looking at SIMON_) Go to bed, wretch! (_placing scent bottle on table_) SIMON. (_taking cushion from easy chair_) Let me get my pillow. FRANK. Horribly drunk! SIMON. I was just now, but it's evaporating. FRANK. Go out into the air. SIMON. (_going_) Yes, I'll go to the park gate, and go to bed. FRANK. Be off! SIMON. (_returning_) Stop a bit--I haven't got my nightcap. (_takes bottle from easy chair_) FRANK. (_pushing him off_) Begone, drunken brute! _SIMON goes off, C. door, carrying cushion and bottle._ I have behaved like a ruffian to that charming creature--I must obtain her forgiveness, for I doat upon her--never was in love before, and the novel sensation is so delightful that--(_tapping at R. door_) Adelaide--Miss Adelaide--charming Adelaide! if you would but pardon me--if you would but hear me! (_gate bell rings without_) What's that about at this time of night? Oh! it's that idiot Simon; he said he was going to the park gates. Luckily there is no one to be disturbed here. _ADELAIDE enters, C. door, as an old lady._ ADELA. No, no, I don't want anybody to accompany me. FRANK. (_turning_) Who's that? ADELA. (_aside_) You will know presently. (_aloud_) Eh! a woman! what do you want here? who are you? FRANK. For that matter, ma'am, who are you? ADELA. Who am I! you ask me that! Don't you know I am the mistress of this house? FRANK. (_aside_) My grandmother--phew! I should never have known her. ADELA. And I should be glad to know what you are doing in my house at this hour of the night. FRANK. (R. C.) Well, the fact is--(_aside_) The devil, though, I can't tell her in this dress that I am her grandson. ADELA. (_going up_) If you don't answer, I shall call Simon to bundle you out. FRANK. (_aside_) Ah! (_aloud_) I am the companion. ADELA. You a companion at your age? FRANK. Yes, ma'am, I am a widow. ADELA. But Dunstable wrote to me that she was young and pretty; and you are as old as the hills. FRANK. Oh, no! but I have seen so much trouble. ADELA. And you are ugly--downright ugly. FRANK. Well, beauty is all a matter of opinion.