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128

Par. What makes you ask?

Gna. You look so glum.

Par. (sulkily). Not I.

Gna. Don't—I can't bear to see it. But this girl,

(Whispering.) The Captain's present,—what d'ye think of her?

Par. (affecting to eye her carelessly). Oh! she's not bad.

Gna. (aside). I've hit my friend on the raw.

Par. (overhearing him). Oh no, you haven't!

Gna. But you must surely think

That Thais will be pleased with our new offering?

Par. You've cut us out, you mean? Well—wait a while;

Your turn to-day—it may be ours to-morrow.

Gna. For some six months, I promise you, Parmeno,

You shall have rest—no running to and fro

With notes and messages; no sitting up

Till late at night to wait for your young master;

Isn't that a comfort? Don't you feel obliged to me?

Par. Oh, vastly!

Gna. Well—I like to oblige my friends.

Par. Quite right.

Gna. But I detain you—perhaps you've business?

Par. Oh, not at all!

Gna. Be so good then, if you please,

To introduce me here—you know the party.

Par. Oh! such fine presents introduce themselves—

They're your credentials.

Gna. (as the door opens). Could I take a message?

[Parmeno makes no reply, and Gnatho goes in with the slave-girl. Par. (shaking his fist after him).

Let me but see two days go by, my friend—

But two short days, I say—and this same door,

That opens now to your lightest finger-tap,

You may kick at all day, till you kick your legs off.

—Act ii. sc. 2.