[He draws her forward off the stool.  There is a little struggle, then she resigns her lips.  The little stool, overturned, falls with a clatter.  They spring up, and move apart.  The door opens and Ann enters from the house in a blue dressing-gown, with her hair loose, and a candle held high above her head.  Taking in the strange half-circle round the stove, she recoils.  Then, standing her ground, calls in a voice sharpened by fright:  “Daddy—­Daddy!”]

Timson. [Stirring uneasily, and struggling to his feet.] All right!  I’m comin’!

Ferrand.  Have no fear, Madame!

[In the silence that follows, a clock begins loudly striking twelve.  Ann remains, as if carved in atone, her eyes fastened on the strangers.  There is the sound of someone falling downstairs, and Wellwyn appears, also holding a candle above his head.]

Ann.  Look!

Wellwyn.  Yes, yes, my dear!  It—­it happened.

Ann. [With a sort of groan.] Oh!  Daddy!

     [In the renewed silence, the church clock ceases to chime.]

Ferrand. [Softly, in his ironic voice.] He is come, Monsieur!  ’Appy
Christmas!  Bon Noel!

     [There is a sudden chime of bells.  The Stage is blotted dark.]

Curtain.

ACT II

It is four o’clock in the afternoon of New Year’s Day.  On the raised dais Mrs. Megan is standing, in her rags; with bare feet and ankles, her dark hair as if blown about, her lips parted, holding out a dishevelled bunch of violets.  Before his easel, Wellwyn is painting her.  Behind him, at a table between the cupboard and the door to the model’s room, Timson is washing brushes, with the movements of one employed upon relief works.  The samovar is hissing on the table by the stove, the tea things are set out.

Wellwyn.  Open your mouth.

     [Mrs. Megan opens her mouth.]

Ann. [In hat and coat, entering from the house.] Daddy!

     [Wellwyn goes to her; and, released from restraint, Mrs. Megan
     looks round at Timson and grimaces.]

Wellwyn.  Well, my dear?

     [They speak in low voices.]

Ann. [Holding out a note.] This note from Canon Bentley.  He’s going to bring her husband here this afternoon. [She looks at Mrs. Megan.]

Wellwyn.  Oh! [He also looks at Mrs. Megan.]

Ann.  And I met Sir Thomas Hoxton at church this morning, and spoke to him about Timson.

Wellwyn.  Um!

     [They look at Timson.  Then Ann goes back to the door, and
     Wellwyn follows her.]

Ann. [Turning.] I’m going round now, Daddy, to ask Professor Calway what we’re to do with that Ferrand.