The Studio, to which are attached living rooms, might be rented at eighty pounds a year—­some painting and gear indeed, but an air of life rather than of work.  Things strewn about.  Bare walls, a sloping skylight, no windows; no fireplace visible; a bedroom door, stage Right; a kitchen door, stage Left.  A door, Centre back, into the street.  The door knocker is going.

From the kitchen door, Left, comes the very young person, Annie, in blotting-paper blue linen, with a white Dutch cap.  She is pretty, her cheeks rosy, and her forehead puckered.  She opens the street door.  Standing outside is topping.  He steps in a pace or two.

Topping.  Miss Builder live here?

Annie.  Oh! no, sir; Mrs Herringhame.

Topping.  Mrs Herringhame?  Oh! young lady with dark hair and large expressive eyes?

Annie.  Oh! yes, sir.

Topping.  With an “A.  B.” on her linen? [Moves to table].

Annie.  Yes, sir.

Topping.  And “Athene Builder” on her drawings?

Annie. [Looking at one] Yes, sir.

Topping.  Let’s see. [He examines the drawing] Mrs Herringhame, you said?

Annie.  Oh! yes, Sir.

Topping.  Wot oh!

Annie.  Did you want anything, sir?

Topping.  Drop the “sir,” my dear; I’m the Builders’ man. 
Mr Herringhame in?

Annie.  Oh! no, Sir.

Topping.  Take a message.  I can’t wait.  From Miss Maud Builder.  “Look out!  Father is coming.”  Now, whichever of ’em comes in first—­that’s the message, and don’t you forget it.

Annie.  Oh! no, Sir.

Topping.  So they’re married?

Annie.  Oh!  I don’t know, sir.

Topping.  I see.  Well, it ain’t known to Builder, J.P., either.  That’s why there’s a message.  See?

Annie.  Oh! yes, Sir.

Topping.  Keep your head.  I must hop it.  From Miss Maud Builder. 
“Look out!  Father is coming.”

     He nods, turns and goes, pulling the door to behind him.  Annie
     stands “baff” for a moment.

Annie.  Ah!

She goes across to the bedroom on the Right, and soon returns with a suit of pyjamas, a toothbrush, a pair of slippers and a case of razors, which she puts on the table, and disappears into the kitchen.  She reappears with a bread pan, which she deposits in the centre of the room; then crosses again to the bedroom, and once more reappears with a clothes brush, two hair brushes, and a Norfolk jacket.  As she stuffs all these into the bread pan and bears it back into the kitchen, there is the sound of a car driving up and stopping.  Annie reappears at the kitchen door just as the knocker sounds.

Annie.  Vexin’ and provokin’! [Knocker again.  She opens the door] Oh!