[Carriage heard departing; they listen.  Enter Mr. Nokes, slightly elevated with champagne, and not perceiving Mrs. C.N.]

Nokes. Hurrah, my dear! they’re off, all three of them,—­all five of them, for each of them sees two of the others; they have no notion that your name is Susan—­[sees Mrs. C.N.] I mean Constance. [Aside] Oh, Lor! just as I thought we’d weathered the storm, too, and got into still water!

Susan [gravely]. She knows all about it, husband.  That lady is the daughter of my benefactor, Mr. Woodward, to whom I owed everything on earth till I met you.

Nokes [with enthusiasm, and holding out both hands]. The deuce she is!  I am most uncommonly glad to see you, ma’am, under this roof. [Aside to Susan] She don’t look very prosperous, Susan:  if there’s anything that money can get for her, I’ll see she has it; mind that.

Susan [aloud]. She is poor, sir, and much in need of home and friends.

Nokes [to Mrs. C.N.]. Then you have found them here, ma’am.  You’re a fixture at “the Tamarisks” for life, if it so pleases you.

Mrs. C.N. You are most kind, sir, but I have a husband and one little child.

Nokes. Never mind that:  he’ll grow.  There’s room here for you and your husband and the little child, even if he does grow.  Where are they?  Show them up.

Mrs. C.N. runs to window and calls, “Charles, Charles."

Nokes [aside]. I think I’ve had quite as much champagne as is good for me; just enough; the golden mean.

     Enter CHARLES with baby, which he holds at full stretch of his
     arms.

Nokes [indignantly]. You young scoundrel!  How dare you show your face in this house?

Mrs. C.N. [interfering]. You sent for him, sir.

Nokes. I sent for nothing of the sort.  I sent for your husband.

Mrs. C.N. That is my husband, sir, and our little child.  You promised us an asylum for life under your roof; and I am certain you will keep your word.

Nokes [to Susan, endeavoring to be severe]. Now, this is all your fault; and yet you promised me never to interfere on behalf of these people.

Susan.  Nor did I, my dear husband.  You have done it all yourself.

Nokes [aside]. It was all that last glass of champagne.

Charles [giving up the baby to his wife, and coming up with outstretched hand to his uncle]. Come, sir, pray forgive me.  I could not enjoy your favors without your forgiveness, believe me.

Nokes [holding out his hand unwillingly]. There. [Aside] How could I be such a fool, knowing so well what champagne is made of?—­Well, sir, if you have regained your place here, remember it has all happened through your aunt’s goodness.  Let nobody ever show any of their airs to my Susan.