HENRICH SCHERCL (confused).

You misunderstood me quite—­I had no idea but of my business.  I do not think of other things.  Er—­when will the picture be done, Tempenny, I would like it soon?

REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.

Ha, ha, ha!  Control yourself, Romeo, it’s coming on.

HENRICH SCHERCL.

But according to our contract, it should be done in a week’s time.  If you disappoint me, my friend, we shall fall out again.

REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (aside).

It strikes me you’ll be precious lucky if you get it at all.  The infernal “contract” is the bane of my life. (Aloud.) All right, Schercl, I will push on with it—­I want the other two hundred, you know.  I shan’t delay for my own sake. (Enter CHARLES SYLVESTER L.) Hallo, Charlie, how d’ye do.  How are things at home?

HENRICH SCHERCL.

I see another of yesterday’s gulprits.  However I have forgiven you.

CHARLES SYLVESTER.

That’s all right. (Aside to REMBRANDT TEMPENNY:) Rosaline’s downstairs—­wanting to see you.  Where is your wife?

REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.

Out. (To HENRICH SCHERCL.) That poor girl has followed you here. 
Perhaps out of pity you ought to go down to her and say a kind word.

HENRICH SCHERCL.

Miss Rosaline—­she is here?  Well, I never!  Yes, I will go down and speak to her.  Where is she?

(Enter ROSALINE L.)

REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (aside).

Damn it, in the drawing-room!  Look here, Schercl, you can’t go till she does.  If my wife comes in and finds her, she is your affair.  Don’t leave her for Heaven’s sake.

ROSALINE.

Good morning, gentlemen.  Oh, Mr. Schercl!  What a pleasure—­how do you do?

HENRICH SCHERCL.

I am very well, I thank you.  And you?—­I need not ask, you look most beautiful.

ROSALINE (aside).

Dear man!

HENRICH SCHERCL.

(Aside to CHARLES SYLVESTER.) Why is Tempenny so afraid his wife should see her?  You too—­why are you so afraid?  Is she not of a good character, this Miss Rosaline?

CHARLES SYLVESTER.

(Aside to HENRICH SCHERCL.) The girl is a paragon.  They are jealous of her, that’s all.  She is too good-looking for ’em.

HENRICH SCHERCL.

Ha, ha, I see!

REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.

I think we’ll leave you, old man.  Rosaline, Mr. Schercl, has something to say to you—­we shall be in the way. (Aside to CHARLES SYLVESTER.) Come on, old chap—­I wouldn’t risk being found in the room again with the girl for a monkey.

CHARLES SYLVESTER.

Yes, I have some business to discuss with Mr. Tempenny.  If you will excuse us—­

(Exit R.)

REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.

(Aside to HENRICH SCHERCL.) Take her away soon, there’s a trump, or there will be another row.  I give you five minutes to get her out of the house, Take her to breakfast—­or—­or—­wherever you like, only hurry! (Exit L.)