Madge bus. with paper. Finds what she has been looking for, and starts eagerly to read it. As if not seeing the print well she leans near light, and resumes reading with the greatest avidity. Forman quiely shuts door up C. He stands at the door looking at Madge as she reads the paper. This is prolonged somewhat, so that it may be seen that he is not waiting for her to finish from mere politeness. His eyes are upon her sharply and intensely, yet he does not assume any expression otherwise. She finishes and angrily rises, casting the paper violently down on the piano. She turns and goes over to R., near the large heavy desk. Pauses there. Then turns away to L. angrily. Sees Forman, calms herself at once. Just as Madge turns, Forman seems to be coming into room and moves down a little near C.)
(Half down C.). I could got nothing from her, ma'am. She insists that she must speak to you herself.
Madge. Tell her to wait till to-morrow. (Turns and moves towards R.)
Forman.. I asked her to do that, ma'am, and she said that she would not bc here to-morrow.
(Madge turns toward Forman with some surprise.)
Madge. What does she mean by that?
Forman. Pardon me for mentioning it, ma'am, but she is a bit singular, as I take it.
Madge. Tell her to come here———
(Forman. bows and turns to go. Madge. goes toward the piano near where the paper lies. She sees it. Stops with hand on piano.)
Oh—Judson!
(Forman stops and comes down. Everything quiet, subdued, cat-like in his methods.)
How did you happen to imagine that I would be interested in this marriage announcement? (Takes up paper and sits in seat below the piano.)
Forman (C.). I could 'ardly help it, ma'am.
(Madge turns and looks hard at him an instant. Forman stands deferentially.)
Madge. I suppose you have overheard certain references to the matter—between myself and my brother?
Forman. I 'ave, ma'am, but I would never have referred to it in the least if I did not think it might be of some importance to you ma'am, to know it.
Madge. Oh no—of no special importance! We know the parties concerned, and are naturally interested in the event. Of course, you
