The Templeton Teapot Part 5

MRS. B. (_running to DEAN and embracing him_). My dear brother, are you alive?

MR. B. (_to DEAN_). Well, this is a fine position from which to rescue you. (_Laughs._)

MRS. B. (_angrily to MR. T._). How dare you lock up my brother?

MRS. T. (_weakly_). Horace, what have you done?

MR. T. (_in great embarra.s.sment_). There is some mistake; I am most grieved. However, the fact remains that I caught this young man in the act of stealthily removing my valuable teapot.

MRS. B. Alas, my poor brother has spent so much time over his old antiques that he has lost his mind!

MR. T. I am ready to apologize to Mr. Dean as soon as he explains his--rather singular appearance in my house.

MRS. B. Eric, did Mr. Templeton find you carrying off the teapot?

DEAN. Yes.

MRS. B. Have you no regard for your family? Why did you do this thing?

DEAN. I have nothing to say.

MRS. B. The poor boy is out of his mind. Leon, we must take him home.

MRS. T. He is as unfortunate as Hilda. Poor Hilda, gone from her home----!

DEAN (_anxiously_). Do I understand that Miss Templeton has already gone to New York?

MR. T. We've just found this letter----

MRS. T. How did you know?

DEAN (_quickly_). It was once my good fortune to render Miss Templeton a slight service, in consequence of which I became aware of her plans. If you'll excuse me for a moment, I think that I can find her in time to persuade her from her purpose.

MRS. T. Then go, by all means!

MR. B. Eric, do you know what you are doing?

DEAN. Leave that to me.

[_Exit, R._

MRS. B. The boy is crazy; he has never seen Hilda in his life.

MR. B. But we couldn't cross him. They say it's dangerous.

MRS. T. If he brings back Hilda, I'll overlook everything.

MRS. B. (_haughtily_). Rest a.s.sured, Mrs. Templeton, that when my brother comes to himself, he will make ample apology.

_Enter DEAN and HILDA, R., the former carrying HILDA'S suit-case._

MRS. T. (_embracing HILDA_). My dear child, are you still with us? Where have you been?

HILDA (_nervously_). Mr. Dean found me in the summer-house and persuaded me to come in, mother. I don't want to go away, but I don't want to marry----

MRS. T. There, there, child, say no more. Stay with your mother, and you shall do exactly as you like. (_Sound of door-bell._) Sue, will you kindly go to the door?

[_Exit SUE, R._

MRS. B. Oh, Eric, how did you know where to find her?

DEAN (_to HILDA_). Miss Templeton, will you kindly convince these people that I am neither a burglar nor a lunatic?

HILDA. Mr. Dean saved me from that horrid man this evening, and to reward him I gave him the teapot. He isn't to blame for anything.

_Enter SUE, R._

SUE (_picking up basket_). Mrs. McLaffety's boy has come after this.

MRS. T. Will you kindly hand it to him, Sue? (_Exit SUE, R., with basket._) Mr. Dean, we are doubly indebted to you.

MR. T. (_shaking hands with DEAN_). I apologize most humbly; but you must admit that appearances were against you.

MR. B. (_slapping DEAN on the back_). You've certainly distinguished yourself, old fellow.

MRS. B. (_embracing DEAN_). And you're not crazy--not the least little bit?

DEAN. I hope not.

MR. T. Mr. Dean, I know that you're a collector and lover of antiques.

In appreciation of your defense and restoration of my daughter, I should be happy to present you with the teapot, had I not already promised it to Professor Gates, who is to marry---- Why, it's gone!

(_Looks frantically for teapot. All look about._)

_Enter SUE, R._

MRS. B. Oh, Eric, you haven't----

MR. T. Sue, where have you taken the teapot?

SUE. I didn't---- (_Noise without. All run to door R._) The burglars!

MR. T. They've got it after all!

MR. B. We'll catch them yet.

_Enter PROF. G., R., hatless, very dusty and disheveled, grasping the teapot with both hands._

PROF. G. I couldn't find Miss Hilda, but I've saved it! (_Sees HILDA._) Oh--what----