Page:The Story of the Gadsbys - Kipling (1888).djvu/46



Wake up, my sleeping beauty! (Howls.) "Uprouse ye, then, my merry, merry men! "It is our opening day! "It is our opening da-ay!" Gaddy, the little dicky-birds have been billing and cooing for ever so long; and I'm here!

(sitting up and yawning).—'Mornin'. This is awf'ly good of you, old fellow. Most awf'ly good of you. Don't know what I should do without you. 'Pon my soul, I don't. 'Haven't slept a wink all night.

—I didn't get in till half-past eleven. 'Had a look at you then, and you seemed to be sleeping as soundly as a condemned criminal.

—Jack, if you want to make those disgustingly worn-out jokes, you'd better go away. (With portentous gravity.) It's the happiest day in my life.

(chuckling grimly).—Not by a very long chalk, my son. You're going through some of the most refined torture you've ever known. But be calm. I am with you. 'Shun! Dress!

—Eh! Wha-at?

—Do you suppose that you are your own master for the next twelve hours? If you do, of course (Makes for the door.)