Gluck. I can’t let you in. I can’t, indeed. My brother will beat me, sir, if I thought of such a thing. What do you want, sir?
Little Old Gentleman. Want? I want fire and shelter. There’s your great fire there blazing, cracking, and dancing on the walls with nobody to feel it. I only want to warm myself.
Gluck. He does look very wet. I’ll just let him in for a little while.
[Opens the door.]
Little Old Gentleman. That’s a good boy. Never mind your brothers. I’ll talk to them.
Gluck. Pray, sir, don’t do any such thing. I can’t let you stay till they come.
Little Old Gentleman. Dear me. I’m very sorry to hear that. How long may I stay?
Gluck. Only till the mutton’s done, sir, and it’s very brown. [Little Old Gentleman seats himself before the fire.] You’ll soon dry there, sir. Mayn’t I take your cloak?
Little Old Gentleman. No, thank you.