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Ed. (stepping back). It is very easily given. I only intended to say, that personally I had no experience of the matter, and not being able to speak positively, I said “perhaps!”

Dr. R. (suspiciously). Is that true?

Ed. Certainly. But, if you wish, I will recall the statement in our next issue.

Dr. R. That would be more satisfactory to me.

(Exit, L.)

(Enter, L., a fierce-looking individual.)

Henry Perkins (in a threatening tone). Are you the editor?

Ed. (with quaking heart). Yes.

H. P. (sneering). I suppose you don’t know who I am?

Ed. No, I don’t.

H. P. (fiercely). I am that Henry Perkins whom you have so atrociously libelled in your paper of this morning. Don’t think, sir, that such conduct is to go unpunished! I stand upon my rights, sir, as a citizen, and I will not be trampled upon.

(Mr. P. seizes Ed. by the collar of his coat and shakes him vigorously.)

Ed. (struggling). Unhand me, sir!

H. P. (still shaking him). There, you little blackguard! I guess you won’t slander me again in a hurry.