Mabel.  But they’ll find the real thief.

Dancy. [With a queer little smile] Will staying here help them to do that?

Mabel. [In a sort of agony] Oh!  I couldn’t—­it looks like running away.  We must stay and fight it!

Dancy.  Suppose I didn’t get a verdict—­you never can tell.

Mabel.  But you must—­I was there all the time, with the door open.

Dancy.  Was it?

Mabel.  I’m almost sure.

Dancy.  Yes.  But you’re my wife.

Mabel. [Bewildered] Ronny, I don’t understand—­suppose I’d been accused of stealing pearls!

Dancy. [Wincing] I can’t.

Mabel.  But I might—­just as easily.  What would you think of me if I ran away from it?

Dancy.  I see. [A pause] All right!  You shall have a run for your money.  I’ll go and see old Twisden.

Mabel.  Let me come! [Dancy shakes his head] Why not?  I can’t be happy a moment unless I’m fighting this.

     Dancy puts out his hand suddenly and grips hers.

Dancy.  You are a little brick!

Mabel. [Pressing his hand to her breast and looking into his face]
Do you know what Margaret called you?

Ronny.  No.

Mabel.  A desperate character.

Dancy.  Ha!  I’m not a tame cat, any more than she.

     The bell rings.  Mabel goes out to the door and her voice is heard
     saying coldly.

Mabel.  Will you wait a minute, please?  Returning.  It’s De Levis—­to see you. [In a low voice] Let me see him alone first.  Just for a minute!  Do!

Dancy. [After a moment’s silence] Go ahead!  He goes out into the bedroom.

Mabel. [Going to the door, Right] Come in.

     De Levis comes in, and stands embarrassed.

Yes?

De Levis. [With a slight bow] Your husband, Mrs Dancy?

Mabel.  He is in.  Why do you want to see him?

De Levis.  He came round to my rooms just now, when I was out.  He threatened me yesterday.  I don’t choose him to suppose I’m afraid of him.

Mabel. [With a great and manifest effort at self-control] Mr De Levis, you are robbing my husband of his good name.

De Levis. [Sincerely] I admire your trustfulness, Mrs Dancy.

Mabel. [Staring at him] How can you do it?  What do you want?  What’s your motive?  You can’t possibly believe that my husband is a thief!

De Levis.  Unfortunately.

Mabel.  How dare you?  How dare you?  Don’t you know that I was in our bedroom all the time with the door open?  Do you accuse me too?

De Levis.  No, Mrs Dancy.