Deb. That is only the latest of many such I have noticed. They began three months ago, down in Devonshire. I come to London and find the same thing going on. Clara. (_Sneering._)’ You really ought to have been a detective, the force might have been some use then. Deb. I’m not blind. (_Goes c._) Allen is. But that is not all. These things might be explained by themselves--suspicious though they are--but just now, going downstairs, I picked up a purse. (_Pausing and looking at Clara, who, however, makes no sign._) It is your purse. (_Throws it into Clara’s lap._) I opened it to see whom it belonged to--and inside it is a wedding ring. Is your name Dexter or Cranbourne? Clara. (_Rising._) I really must decline to answer any questions of yours. You are so exceedingly rude. (_Crosses up behind table R.c._) Deb. You need not answer me. Answer Allen. Tell him that you will be his wife--or that you cannot. (_Clara takes no notice._) Do you refuse? (_Crossing l._) Clara. I refuse to be dictated to. Deb. Then I shall communicate my suspicions to Allen. Clara. (_Turning fiercely._) Do so. Tell him--(_walks round table to back of Deb. c._)--that you believe that I am the wife of another man, and am playing a shameful part with him merely to sponge on him. That I am fondling him with the one hand only the better to pick his pocket with the other. Tell him that you believe he is surrounded by a gang of adventurers and thieves, of which I am the willing decoy. Tell him your suspicions, and I will tell him that they are the poisonous concoctions of a jealous woman--of a woman who loves him herself--(_laughs_)--and seeks to win him from her more favored rival, by lies and trickery. (_Goes dozen r._) Deb. (_Quietly._) You shall answer him for all that, or he shall know the reason why you dare not. (_Crosses L., and calls._) Allen! Allen! (_Enter Allen l. up stage_). Deb. (_l. c._) Allen, is Miss Dexter engaged to be married to you or not? Allen, (_l._) Well. (_Laughs._) Blest if I could tell ‘ee that, Deb. That be the very thing I ha’ been trying to find out myself. Bain’t it, Clara? Only her be such a tease. (_All said laughingly._) Deb. (_Sharply._) You mean you have never been able to get a plain answer, yes or no? Allen. Gently, lass. Thee be mistaking this for some business of thine. Deb. Allen, we’ve been like brother and sister all our lives, and your happiness is my happiness. I have my reasons--very strong reasons--for asking you to ask Miss Dexter now, before me, whether she will be your wife. Allen. I can’t say I thank thee, Deb, for interfering in a matter that don’t concern thee. (_To Clara, crossing to her._) I hope, Clara, you don’t think as I have any hand in this, but as things stand now, it will perhaps be best (_advancing_) if I do ask thee. Will thee be my wife?