SCENE II.—_MRS. GROVER’S kitchen. Time—one month after

marriage. BRIDGET, R., washing dishes. MR. GROVER enters, L._

MR. G. Bridget, I find that for two days past dinner has been served before I came home. Hereafter, you must wait till I return before doing so.

BRIDGET. But it was kept warm for ye’s. An’ the misthress told me to do it.

MR. G. I know that; but you are bound to obey me rather than her.

B. (_bewildered_). Sir?

MR. G. To-day I shall not be at home till four o’clock. Four, remember. On no account must you serve up dinner before that time.

B. (_astonished_). But what shall I say to misthress when she tells me?

MR. G. Say? You must tell her that I threatened to dismiss you if you did so. Will you remember?

B. (_confusedly_). I’ll try.

MR. G. (_going toward door with satisfied smile_). There, I think that will set matters right. I would give something to see how Mrs. Grover will take it, when Bridget, by my direction, refuses to obey her. She will begin to find out whom she has to deal with then.

(_Exit, L._)

MRS. GROVER (_enters by another door, R., in season to hear her husband’s last words_). Has Mr. Grover forbidden you to follow my directions, Bridget?

B. Yes, mum. He told me he shouldn’t be at home until four, and he should send me away if I took up dinner before that time.

MRS. G. (_coolly_). Indeed! he is interfering beyond his province. However, you are to obey me, not him. Be sure to have dinner on the table at two o’clock precisely.

B. But he will send me away if I do.

MRS. G. And I will send you away if you don’t.

B. (_in ludicrous dismay_). Och, what will I do? It’s turned away I’ve got to be whether I do it or not.

MRS. G. Better obey me, Bridget. If he should turn you away, you shall be back again in less than a week, and, meanwhile, I will pay you wages; but, if I turn you away, it will be for good.

B. Faix, mum, you’re a jewel. An’ if dinner isn’t on the table at two o’clock precisely, then my name isn’t Bridget McDermott.

(_Curtain falls._)