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Col. G. I hope you feel better, sir?

Ger. Quite well.

Col. G. Can I get you anything, sir?

Ger. No, thank you; I want nothing.Why do you stay?

Col. G. Can't you think of something I can do for you, sir?

Ger. Fetch that red cloth.

Col. G. Yes, sir.

Ger. Throw it over that-

Col. G. This, sir?

Ger. No, no-the clay there. Thank you. (A knock at the door.) See who that is. Col. G. Are you at home, sir?

Ger. That depends. Not to Mr. Waterfield. Oh, my head! my head! [Exit COL. G.

Enter CONSTANCE. GER. starts, but keeps his head leaning on his hand.

Con. I forgot to say to you, Arthur,But you are ill! What is the matter, dear Arthur?

Ger. (without looking up) Nothing-only a headache.

Con. Do come home with me, and let aunt and me nurse you. Don't be vexed with me any more. I will do whatever you like. I couldn't go home without seeing you again. And now I find you ill!

Ger. Not a bit. I am only dreadfully busy. I must go out of town. I am so busy! I can't stay in it a moment longer. I have so many things to do.

Con. Mayn't I come and see you while you work? I never used to interrupt you. I want so to sit once more in my old place. (Draws a stool towards him.)

Ger. No, no-not-not there! Constance used to sit there. William!

Con. You frighten me, Arthur!

Enter COL. G.

Ger. Bring a chair, William.

Constance sits down like a chidden child.

Exit COL. G.

Con. I must have offended you more than I thought, Arthur! What can I say? It is so stupid to be always saying I am

sorry.

Ger. No, no. But some one may call.

Con. You mean more than that. Will you not let me understand?

Ger. Your friend Mr. Waterfield called a

few minutes ago. presently, I dare say.

He will be here again

Con. (indifferently). Indeed!

Ger. I suppose you appointed-expectedto meet him here.

Con. Arthur! Do you think I would come to you to meet him? I saw him this morning; I don't want to see him again. I wish you knew him.

Ger. Why should you want me to know him?

Con. Because you would do him good.
Ger. What good does he want done him?
Con. He has got beautiful things in him-

talks well-in bits-arms and feet and faces

never anything like—(turning to the Psyche) Why have you? Has she been naughty too?

Ger. Is it only naughty things that must be put out of sight, Constance?

Con. Dear Arthur! you spoke like your own self then.

Ger. (rising hurriedly). Excuse me. I must go. It is very rude, but-William!

Enter COL. G.

Col. G. Yes, sir.

Ger. Fetch a hansom directly.

Col. G. Yes, sir.

Exit.

Con. You do frighten me, Arthur! I am

sure you are ill.

Ger. Not at all.. I have an engagement.

Con. I must go then-must I?

Ger. Do not think me unkind?

Con. I will not think anything you would

not have me think.

Re-enter COL. G.

Col. G. The cab is at the door, sir.

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Col. G. He speaks like one in despair, forcing every word! If he should die! Oh, my God!

Re-enter GER. Walks up and down the room.
Col. G. Ain't you going, sir?

Ger. No. I have sent the lady in the cab.
Col. G. Then hadn't you better lie down,

sir?

Ger. Lie down! What do you mean? I'm not in the way of lying down except to sleep.

Col. G. And let me go for the doctor, sir?
Ger. The doctor! Ha! ha ha!-You are

a soldier, you say?

Col. G. Yes, sir.

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