Ray. (Picking them up.} Look out well next time. There's that cursed letter I was going to send to Laura. Confound it, I must destroy it when I go home. (Puts letters back in overcoat pocket.) (Ray gets his boots touched up.)
Dem. I say, Trafford, what'll you take, and let a fellow read those? Windel, I guess if the girls could get into the cloak-room, it would be better than the dead-letter office. What a time they'd have! Are you ready?
Wind. What's the use of hurrying? There's no life in the party till Laura Courtland comes. By Jove, Trafford! you're in luck. She's the prettiest girl in New York.
Ray. And the best. (March music heard.)
Dem. There's the march music; let's go. (Gets a final brush a they all go off A. 1 E.)
Ray. Come along. [Exunt.
Sam. (Picking up a letter dropped from Ray's pocket.) Dere's anoder of dem billy dooses; wonder if it am Mist' Trafford's. Eh, golly! musn't mix dem gentlemen's letters, musn't mix 'em nohow,—or an oberruling providence wouldn't be able to stop fighting in dis city for de nex month.
(Scene draws off to dance music.)
(Wait till change of music before change of Sc.)
SCENE III.—The Blue Room at Delmonico's. Waltz-music as the Scene opens. Waltzers in motion. Pearl is dancing with Mrs. Van Dam.
(Enter Trafford, Demilt, and Windel, R. L. R.)
Pearl. There's Ray. I've had enough; I want to speak with him. (Bursts away from Mrs. Van D., runs up to Trafford. Demilt goes up to Mrs. Van D.)
Pearl. (To Ray.) You lazy fellow, where have you been?
Dem. You re not tired, are you?
Mrs. V. D.. I feel as fresh as a daisy.
Dem. Have a waltz with me. (Waltz music, piano, as they dance, Windel goes to Sue Earlie.)
Ray. (Coming down with Pearl.) Where's Laura?
Pearl. She wasn't ready, and I was dying to come. Been fixed since eight o'clock; so I came with Sue Earlie. So you made it up with Laura.
Ray. Yes. Don't say anything more about the horrid subject. We've made it all up. But what on earth keeps her to-night? It's eleven already. (Looking at watch.) Confound it, I tremble every moment she's out of my sight. I fear that terrible man and his secret.
Mrs. V. D. (Coming up with Demilt.) Trafford, you look very uneasy. What's the matter?
Ray. O, nothing. I think I ought to go for Laura. I will, too. (Servant passes at back.) Here! go up stairs for my overcoat. (Gives the man a card, and he goes out.)
Mrs. V. D. Nonsense! She'll be here in good time. You shan't leave us. Hold him, Pearl We want a nine-pin quadrille: we
