Page:Grimshaw, Bagshaw and Bradshaw.djvu/20

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PS undefined (Towzer's got into the house—I saw him distinctly through the keyhole, crossing the passage towards the door of that room! Egad! it was lucky I happened to see my charming neighbors shut that sliding panel upon me as I left them, or I should have been nabbed to a certainty; and now I must beg and entreat them not to betray me. Where the deuce are they? they can't surely have gone to bed—I'll just take a peep. (advances on tip-toe towards . bed—at the same moment, comes out of closet, with a bundle of wood, and shovelful of coals—they meet face to face.))

PS undefined ((after a moment’s pause, puts bundle of wood and shovel of coals on table, then takes by the arm and brings him down) Now, Sir! (in a violent tone.))

PS undefined (Hush!)

PS undefined (I won't hush! Who are you, Sir? what do you want here, Sir? and how did you get here, Sir—in my apartment, Sir?)

PS undefined (Your apartment? no, no—that won't do—I know better.)

PS undefined (Oh, you know better, do you? ha, ha! (with a forced laugh) You're a funny fellow, you are! I don't know whether you're aware of it, but you're an exceedingly funny fellow!)

PS undefined (You're very kind, I'm sure! (trying to take 's hand, who snatches it away) A relation of the lady's, I presume?)

PS undefined (The lady's (aside) He means Fanny! I'll frighten him. (aloud) Yes, Sir, I'm her big brother!)

PS undefined (So much the better—then of course you're in the secret?)

PS undefined ((aside) I rather suspect I am—Oh, faithless Fanny. (aloud and pointedly) Do you smoke, Sir?)

PS undefined (Yes—allow me to offer you a cigar! (presenting case.))

PS undefined (Pooh, pooh! (knocking cigar case away.))

PS undefined (Then of course you know all about it, eh? (poking him in the side.))