Her voice.  Just a second!  I’ve got nothing on.

     [Lady Ella recoils.  The Squire and Rector make an involuntary
     movement of approach.]

Lady Ella.  Oh!  There you are!

The Rector. [Doubtfully] I was just going to wade in——­

Lady Ella.  Hannibal would have killed him, if she hadn’t rushed in!

The Squire.  Done him good, little beast!

Lady Ella.  Why didn’t you go in, Tommy?

The Squire.  Well, I would—­only she——­

Lady Ella.  I can’t think how she got Edward out of Hannibal’s awful mouth!

Maud. [Without—­to Hannibal, who is snuffling on the verandah and straining at the scarf] Bad dog!

Lady Ella.  We must simply thank her tremendously!  I shall never forget the way she ran in, with her skirts up to her waist!

The Squire.  By Jove!  No.  It was topping.

Lady Ella.  Her clothes must be ruined.  That pond—­ugh! [She wrinkles her nose] Tommy, do have it drained.

The Rector. [Dreamily] I don’t remember her face in church.

The Squire.  Ah!  Yes.  Who is she?  Pretty woman!

Lady Ella.  I must get the Vet. to Edward. [To the Squire] Tommy, do exert yourself!

     [Maud re-enters.]

The Squire.  All right! [Exerting himself] Here’s a bell!

Her voice. [Through the door] The bleeding’s stopped.  Shall I send him in to you?

Lady Ella.  Oh, please!  Poor darling!

     [They listen.]

[Lady Ella, prepares to receive Edward.  The Squire and Rector stand transfixed.  The door opens, and a bare arm gently pushes Edward forth.  He is bandaged with a smooth towel.  There is a snuffle—­Hannibal has broken the scarf, outside.]

Lady Ella. [Aghast] Look!  Hannibal’s loose!  Maud—­Tommy. [To the Rector] You!

     [The three rush to prevent Hannibal from re-entering.]

Lady Ella. [To Edward] Yes, I know—­you’d like to!  You shall bite him when it’s safe.  Oh! my darling, you do——­[She sniffs].

     [Maud and the Squire re-enter.]

Have you tied him properly this time?

Maud.  With Bertie’s braces.

Lady Ella.  Oh! but——­

Maud.  It’s all right; they’re almost leather.

     [The Rector re-enters, with a slight look of insecurity.]

Lady Ella.  Rector, are you sure it’s safe?