REBECCA. Good gracious, I never thought of that!
VAN. (_without, L. D._) I say, what's your name! Young woman! you haven't put any salt upon the table--do you take me for a cannibal?
AUGUS. (_aside, and staring at VANDYKE, who is standing in the door, L._) Why the fellow has got on my morning gown! Confound his impudence! (_crosses to R._)
VAN. (_aside_) Who's this, I wonder? He looks like a tailor; he can't be one of my creditors, scented me out already. (_aloud--politely to BOBBINS_) Good morning, sir; did you wish to speak to me? (_to REBECCA_) You needn't remain.
AUGUS. (_alarmed_) No, no, stay where you are.
VAN. (_to REBECCA_) Do you hear? Never mind the salt; I'll finish my breakfast by and by.
AUGUS. (_aside--alarmed_) He's actually sending her out of the way. I'm getting very uneasy.
(_BOBBINS watches, and starts at every action of VANDYKE'S, throughout the scene._
REBECCA. (_aside_) I am glad to get out of the room. I'll go and see if I can find a policeman.
VAN. (_with marked politeness_) Don't stand--pray be seated.
(_offers BOBBINS a chair, and takes one himself._
AUGUS. (_alarmed_) You are very kind, sir. (_aside_) I hope he don't see that I'm afraid of him.
(_they sit, BOBBINS R., VANDYKE BROWN L._
VAN. (_after a pause of confusion on both sides_) You were observing, I think, that you had called to--to--
AUGUS. (_aside_) I must mind what I'm about. I musn't provoke him.
VAN. I believe I understood you to say that you had called to-- Sir, will you permit me to ask you one question? I throw myself entirely upon your generosity. Did you--frankly--did you expect to find me here?
AUGUS. No, sir, frankly, I did not--certainly not.
VAN. Sir, I thank you; you have removed a weight from my mind. I could scarcely believe otherwise, only just arrived, as I am, from abroad.
AUGUS. Only just arrived from abroad--oh, indeed, sir. (_aside_) Confound the fellow, I wish I could get rid of him. (_aloud, after a pause of confusion on both sides_) May I inquire what part?
VAN. Oh certainly, sir--certainly. Russia, sir, Russia.
AUGUS. (_aside_) All a lie, I suppose. (_aloud_) Indeed, sir. (_after another pause_) Pray, sir, what may be your opinion of the Russians in general?
VAN. Very nice people, sir--very nice people.