The Templeton Teapot Part 3

DEAN (_desperately_). I'll take--anything--only don't go away. You mustn't. (_Takes teapot._)

HILDA. Don't ever let me see it again. Hurry.

(_Moves toward door L._)

DEAN (_quickly_). After I've seen f.a.n.n.y, may I come back?

HILDA. Yes, yes, only please go now. (_Sound of voices without door L.

HILDA draws back._) I mustn't let them see me like this--the suit-case.

DEAN. Come this way. (_Points to R._)

HILDA. I'll go to the summer-house and wait. (_Shyly._) Perhaps I may be there a long time, Mr. Dean.

[_Exit with suit-case, R._

DEAN (_looking after her_). Dear little girl! (_Shakes head at teapot._) Now here's a quandary: how can I get you back to papa without offending that divinity? Well, I can't let her go to New York. I'll think it over.

(_Places overcoat over arm to conceal teapot. Exit, R., with suit-case.

Noise without. Enter MR. T. with a revolver in one hand and dragging DEAN with the other._)

MR. T. Caught in the act! What does this mean? Put down that teapot.

(_DEAN obeys._) Set down the suit-case. (_DEAN obeys._) You show great discrimination for a burglar. You know what is valuable.

DEAN. Sir, I am not----

MR. T. (_sarcastically_). You're not a burglar? You haven't robbed three houses on this street within a week, I suppose?

DEAN. Let me explain----

MR. T. (_dragging him toward door L._). Keep your explanations for the officers.

DEAN (_helplessly_). I a.s.sure you----

MR. T. (_pointing revolver at DEAN_). Silence! I need no advice, sir.

(_Drags DEAN through door L. Sound of slamming door without._)

_Enter MRS. T., SUE, and PROF. G., L._

MRS. T. (_wringing her hands_). What has happened?

SUE. It's burglars!

PROF. G. (_picking up teapot and replacing it on mantel_). At least, this is safe.

_Enter MR. T., L., smiling broadly._

MR. T. Congratulate me: I have caught a burglar in the very act of carrying off the teapot, and I've locked him in the silver-closet!

SUE. The silver-closet?

MR. T. He can't get out.

MRS. T. (_sinking into a chair_). He can fill his pockets with my spoons.

MR. T. The police will soon empty them. (_Goes to desk._) I must call up the police station. Where is that telephone book? (_Picks up HILDA'S letter._) What is this?

(_Opens letter._)

MRS. T. (_rising and going to desk_). Hilda's writing! How strange! Read it, Horace; my nerves are all unstrung.

MR. T. (_reading_). "Dear Father: I am tired of living in the past and being old fas.h.i.+oned and hearing about the teapot. I want to live for myself and have friends that don't belong to the best families. I am going to Cousin Anne's in New York; she will find me something to do that will keep me busy and happy. Don't worry about me. With love, Hilda."

MRS. T. Gone! My dear child! What will become of her? (_Sinks into a chair._)

SUE (_wiping her eyes_). She has gone to New York alone--at night!

(_Cries audibly._)

PROF. G. (_trying to comfort SUE_). My dear Miss Templeton, do not let your feelings overcome you.

MR. T. (_glaring at PROF. G._). Why doesn't some one do something?

Speak!

PROF. G. (_in embarra.s.sment_). Why--er--this is most unfortunate!

MRS. T. (_indignantly_). Unfortunate? I should say as much. Horace, this is your fault.

MR. T. That is true. I have been buried in my work and have neglected my child.

SUE. If some one went to the station----

MRS. T. Why didn't we think of that before? Professor Gates, run to the station. The train may not have gone.

PROF. G. (_humbly_). Of course, of course, delighted to be of use. Where is my hat? (_SUE hands him his hat._) Thank you.

MRS. T. (_following PROF. G. to the door_). If you find her, use every argument to induce her to return.

PROF. G. I'll do my best.

[_Exit, R._

MRS. T. If we cannot find Hilda to-night, Professor Gates shall go to New York in the morning.

SUE (_sharply_). Why Professor Gates?

MRS. T. Under the circ.u.mstances, we must, out of consideration for his feelings, allow him to make himself as useful as possible.