Passers-by by Charles Haddon Spurgeon Chambers

SCENE: The same as Acts I and II. It is about five o'clock one afternoon three weeks after the events of Act II. The day has been very fine and the evening approaches in a golden haze. The window R. is open, and the sound of traffic is heard in distance. On the curtain rising BURNS is discovered. He is wearing the clothes into which he has changed in Act II, partially covered by a long apron. He is on the sofa looking through a picture book, just as LITTLE PETER was in Act II. A patent carpet-sweeper is leaning up against chair, L.C. Suddenly BURNS thinks he hears some one coming. He starts guiltily and seizing the handle of the sweeper affects to work. Then realising that it was a false alarm, he drops the broom handle and goes to the window up R. On the way he picks up a pin.

BURNS. (Soliloquising with satisfaction) A black-head! (He puts it in his waistcoat. He is absorbed in gazing out of the window. After a few moments' interval the door L. of the room opens silently and PINE appears. He comes c. and takes hold of sweeper-handle which is leaning against piano. Enter LITTLE PETER unseen by the others. He lies on sofa and conceals himself with cushions)