The Winged Beetle

182 MR TODD CARR. Oh, Todd’s a good sort ! I think I must be going, sir. EUPHEMIA. I wish you would stay and help me with the letters, Mr. Carr. We shall have a great deal to do in the next day or two. CARR. Well, if you really wish it, I will try and be of what service I can. [CARR, with his back to audience, laughs with his hands, behind it. MRS. OSSORY. That is indeed kind of you, Professor ! [CARR’S hand-laugh grows riotous. GRANDFATHER. Where is Nurse ? I want my whisky and milk. MRS. OSSORY. [Rings.] I shall go down to lunch, Alfred. Lunch when you like, please, everybody. I fear the house will be much upset for a day or two. You must go down to the mortuary at once. I am really too upset to do anything more. CARR. [Over L. To EUPHEMIA.] She hasn’t done much yet ! EUPHEMIA. What a brute you are ! MRS. OSSORY. And we can’t possibly go to the dear Duchess on Friday ! CARR. [almost in tears]. Forgive my seeming callousness ! On my honour, I never thought of that. “ Sunt lachrymae rerum.” [A nurse and a footman appear. The latter wheels GRANDFATHER out of the room, using the greatest care not to shake him. GRANDFATHER. Oh, my sciatica ! You careless scoun-