MRS. SWEET. I should like to see Mr. Short on horseback, amazingly—ha, ha!—since Gilpin’s ride to Edmonton—ha, ha!
MRS. SHORT. Ha, ha, ha! (checking herself) And yet, though Henry is rather inclining to be stout, you must admit that he carries himself remarkably well.
SWEET. (to MRS. SWEET) Really, my dear, you are too severe upon Short.
MRS. SWEET. I beg your pardon, Louise, I’m sure—I’m such a simpleton, I must always laugh when I shouldn’t—however, I think you had better make your arrangements independently of him, for although I don’t want to be a wet blanket, I am convinced he won’t go.
SWEET. No, no—I’ll undertake to persuade him when he comes in. (STEPHEN is seen to cross C. from R. to L.) Isn’t that Stephen going down stairs? Here, Stephen.
Enter STEPHEN, L. C.
Step over the way, to the livery stables, and tell them to send round the horses I chose on my way to town this morning—then go on to Mr. Billington’s—my compliments, and we shall be happy to join him this afternoon for a ride, at the appointed time—two o’clock. Let’s see, where did the note say we were to meet him?
MRS. SHORT. (eagerly) In front of the Crystal Palace.
SWEET. Ah, exactly—don’t forget, Stephen—two o’clock precisely.
STEPH. Two o’clock, sir—yes, sir.