MRS. IS. [Laughs.] Perhaps.

[Exit right. He settles himself to read.]

HICKS. [Enters centre.] Mr. Gerald.

GER. Well?

HICKS. There was a man here to see you some time ago, Sir.

GER. A man to see me? Why didn't you let me know?

HICKS. I started to, Sir. But he disappeared, and I can't find him,
Sir.

GER. Disappeared? What do you mean?

HICKS. He came to the side entrance, Sir; and one of the maids
answered the bell. He was such a queer-looking chap that she was
frightened, and called me. And then I went to ask if you were in, and
he disappeared. I wasn't sure if he went out, Sir, or if he was still
in the house.

GER. What did he look like?

HICKS. He was a little chap . . . so high . . . with a long beard and
a humped back . . .

GER. [Startled.] Mimi!