MRS. BEMIS: 'We might have been there yet if it hadn't been for
him, papa.'

MRS. CRASHAW: 'I shouldn't want Willis mortified.'

BEMIS: 'Nor Mr. Roberts annoyed. We're fellow-sufferers in this
business.'

LAWTON: 'Oh, leave it to me, leave it to me! I'll spare their
feelings. Don't be afraid. Ah, there they come! Now don't say
anything. I'll just step into the anteroom here.'



SCENE II: MR. ROBERTS, MR. CAMPBELL, AND THE OTHERS



ROBERTS, entering the room before Campbell, and shaking hands with
his guests: 'Ah, Mr. Bemis; Mrs. Bemis; Aunt Mary! You've heard of
our comical little coincidence--our--Mr. Bemis and my--' He halts,
confused, and looks around for the moral support of Willis, who
follows hilariously.

WILLIS: 'Greatest joke on record! But I won't spoil it for you,
Roberts. Go on!' In a low voice to Roberts: 'And don't look so
confoundedly down in the mouth. They won't think it's a joke at
all.'

ROBERTS, with galvanic lightness: 'Yes, yes--such a joke! Well,