Page:The Mikado or the town of titipu.djvu/13

 Thank goodness that's over! (Sees , and rushes to him.) Why, that's never you? (The Three Girls rush to him and shake his hands, all speaking at once.)

I beg your pardon. Will you present me?

One at a time, if you please.

Oh, if you please he's the gentleman who used to play so beautifully on the— on the—

On the Marine Parade.

Yes, I think that was the name of the instrument.

Sir, I have the misfortune to love your ward, Yum-Yum— oh, I know I deserve your anger!

Anger! not a bit, my boy. Why, I love her myself. Charming little girl, isn't she? Pretty eyes, nice hair. Taking little thing, altogether. Very glad to hear my opinion backed by a competent authority. Thank you very much. Good-bye. (To .) Take him away. ( removes him.)

(who has been examining ). I beg your pardon, but what is this? Customer come to try on?

That is a Tremendous Swell.

Oh, it's alive. (She starts back in alarm.)

Go away, little girls. Can't talk to little girls like you. Go away, there's dears.

Allow me to present you, Pooh-Bah. These are my three wards. The one in the middle is my bride elect.

What do you want me to do to them? Mind, I will not kiss them.

No, no, you shan't kiss them; a little bow— a mere nothing— you needn't mean it, you know.

It goes against the grain. They are not young ladies, they are young persons.