sult was to have been the same-matrimony and happiness! was to leave Winglebury, or 'e'd have him arrested for threatenin' to break the peace o' your life, sir. [Exit. Trott. Good! that mayor's head is remarkably Jul. [sighs.] Yes-all roads lead to Rome. Trott. Or matrimony. Reminds me of a beautiful sentiment of the poet: "One spark of humanity clear. My dear fellow-I mean, madame-conmakes us one flesh." Is that the correct quotation? Jul. Not exactly: "One touch of nature makes the whole world kin." Trott. Oh, well, it amounts to the same thing! I've an idea- [Rap.] Oh, it's that terrific Hunter-don't let him see me! [Hides behind her. Enter TOM. Tom. If you please, miss, here is Lord Peter's young man to see the young lady in number 25. Enter BOB. Jul. Well, what of Lord Peter? Bob. Indeed, ma'am, I'm heartily ashamed of the way as my master is hacting; he meets a lot o' chaps from London Jul. Well? Jul. He will be here in the morning? Bob. No, ma'am, he's going wi' t'other chaps on a steeple-chase; an' he sent me to tell you as you must remain as you are for a week, ma'am. He sends his compliments, and says he is too sorry an' down-hearted like to write to you, ma'am. gratulate me. I'm free again. But [reflecting] he'll go on ahead of me and marry Emily Brown! But let him go-he can have her. [To JULIA.] My dear girl, Julia, don't cry; I don't like to see a lady cry-it makes her nose red. Jul. Nor do I like to see a [sob] man drink champagne; [sob] it makes his nose red-[sob] a chronic red. Trott. Why, I've not been drinking champagne! Jul. [drying eyes.] But Lord Peter has. Trott. Lord Peter again? Lord Peter may go to the devil! Jul. There is where he is going fast enough! Trott. Well, don't hinder him. Now I've an idea-a joyful idea to me. I'm rid of Emily Brown -you can get rid of Lord Peter on the same terms. I am- Well, you see what I am. [Turns about and exhibits himself.] I like you, Julia; and if you can fancy me, why, I have an income of three thousand a year. Come, what do you sayyes or no? [Rumbling of carriage.] There's the carriage the mayor has sent by mistake to take us to Gretna Green. Shall we correct the mistake and send it away, or profit by the propitious Fates? Jul. It is so sudden! Trott. Sudden calamities require prompt reme- Jul. I think I should refer you to- Jul. Remain as I am, and not be married for a whole week! Oh, the wretch! wait till I am mar-dies. ried-I'll give it to him then! You may go. I've no message. [Exit BOB. She goes up the stage weeping. Toм starts to go. Trott. Here, Boots! if that terrible Hunter should call, tell him I am not in-sick, mad, drunk -anything! Tom. Yes, sir; sick, mad, drunk-anythink; indeed you are, sir. [Gives money. Trott. You'll not forget? Tom. That settles my memory wonderful; but I don't think as he'll trouble you, sir-for the mayor sent a hossifer to the Blue Lion, as how he Jul. No; to- Trott. Oh, to mine? Jul. No; [to Audience] to our friends. Trott. Ah, yes! what say you? Would it not be the best plan to concentrate all our troubles, and send them in a Enter JOE. Joe. Carriage for Gretna Green! [Quick curtain. THE END. COSTUMES.-MODERN. |