Forman (with a quick warning exclamation and sudden turn, seizes her, covering her mouth with one hand; they stand a moment, he looks slowly round to L.). Some one might hear you! Go to that address in the morning.
The front door bell rings. Bell off L. Forman motions her off with quick short motion. She exits door up C. round piano. Forman exits up L. to open the house door—quickly. Sound of house door opening outside L.—a solid heavy sound—not sharp. Enter Sid Prince, L. walking in quickly. He is a short, stoutish, dapper little fellow. He carries a small black satchel, wears overcoat and hat, etc., and is well dressed and jaunty. He wears diamond scarf pin, rings, etc., is quick in movements and always on the alert. Forman, follows him on, standing near archway at L.)
Prince (going across towards piano). Don't waste toime, you fool; tell 'em I'm 'ere, can't yer?
Forman. Did you wish to see Mr. Chetwood, sir, or was it Miss Chetwood?
Prince (stopping near C., turning to Forman). Well, I'll be blowed! You act as if I'd never been 'ere before! 'Ow do you know but I was born in this 'ere 'ouse? Go on and tell 'em as it's Mr. Sidney Prince, Esq. (He puts satchel, which is apparently heavy, on seat at foot of piano.)
Forman. Oh yes, sir—I beg your pardon! I'll announce you immediate, sir. (Exits upstairs.)
Prince takes off hat, gloves, etc., laying them so as to cover the satchel. Looks about room. Walks over to the heavy desk R. and glances at it. Swings lower door of the desk open in easy business-like way.)
Prince. Ah! (As if he had found what he was looking for. Not an exclamation of surprise. Drops on one knee and gives the lock a turn. Rises and goes over to his satchel—which he uncovers and opens. Feels about for something.)
Madge and Larrabee come downstairs and enter L. Prince sees them, but does not stop what he is doing.)
Madge (going across to Prince). Oh, is that you, Sid? I'm so glad you've come.
Larrabee (going C.). Hallo, Sid! . . . Did you get my note?
Prince (going right on with what he is doing). Well, I'm 'ere, ain't I? (Bus. at satchel.) . . . That's what it is, I take it! (Motion of head towards desk.)
Madge. Yes. . . . We're awfully glad you turned up, Sid. We might have had to get in some stranger to do it. (Going across to below piano in front of Prince.)
Prince (standing up and looking at Larrabee and Madge). That would be nice now, wouldn't it? If your game 'appens to be anything off colour!!!
