SCENE I.—_Parlor at MR. LEWIS’. MR. C. enters, L.

MR. CAMPBELL. Well, I must say it seems pleasant to be home again, once more. After travelling two years through foreign countries, it is really refreshing to reach one’s native land. (_Throws himself into an easy-chair, C._) But I wonder where Maria and her husband are? They will be somewhat surprised to see me here a month earlier than they expected. Fortunately, through all my travels I have kept my latch-key, and was able to gain an entrance without the aid of a servant. However, now that I am here, I feel impatient to see Maria and Arthur. I think I will ring. (_Rings; servant enters, R._)

MR. C. Are Mr. and Mrs. Lewis at home?

SERVANT. No, sir, the family are all away at a party. You are Mrs. Lewis’s brother, I suppose?

MR. C. Yes. (_Surprised._) Did she expect me to-night?

S. Yes, and she bade me say they were sorry to be obliged to be away. But they wished you to make yourself comfortable. Here is the evening paper, sir. (_Hands it to him._) As they will not be home till late, I will conduct you to your room when you wish to retire.

MR. C. There’s no occasion for that. I remember my old room very well. I will read a while before I go to bed. I may possibly sit up till they come home. At all events, I shall not need any further service from you.

(_Exit_ SERVANT, L.)

Well, I must say I’m mystified. In the first place, I don’t see how Maria heard I should arrive to-day. In the second place, when I asked if Mr. and Mrs. Lewis were at home, the servant said _all the family_ were away. Now people don’t use such an expression as that when the family consists of only two members. I wonder whether they have company? I wish I might meet my sister Eliza here. But I won’t trouble myself with needless conjectures. I shall learn all about the matter in the morning. (_A pause._) I believe I’ll put on my slippers. (_Opens bag, from which he takes slippers. He takes off boots, puts on slippers, then takes up evening paper._) I wonder what the news is. In fact, it will be all news to me. Ah! here’s the announcement of the arrival of the Rosamond. But if Maria had seen it she wouldn’t have supposed that I was a passenger. How _could_ she have heard of my arrival? That is a mystery to me. (_He commences reading, but in one or two minutes his eyes close, and he begins to nod. Suddenly his head falls back, and the paper drops from his grasp. He wakens with a start._) Why, bless me, I nearly lost myself! I feel very sleepy. (_Looks at his watch._) No wonder—it is nearly half-past eleven o’clock. I think I will go to bed. (_Picks up paper, and puts it on the table, then takes his bag—a small one—and a light, and leaves the room, R._)

(_Curtain falls._)