VAN. Now don’t suppose, Fastman—I can’t bear it. Remember that’s your answer—I have the authority of her husband. You shall revenge me! Cut him out, Fastman! Spit at him! kick him! pull his nose! while I go into training, in order that I may finish him! Spifflicate him! pulverise him! Don’t speak. (crosses to C.) You have your full instructions. Follow me, Rebecca—go to the butcher’s and get me a raw beef steak—I am now going to breakfast. (to FASTMAN, as he is leaving the stage) Remember—I have the authority of her husband. Now I’ll go into training.
Exit with REBECCA, C. D. to L.
FAST. I never was more astonished in my life! Why, what a greenhorn I have been all this while! She must have laughed in her sleeve at me finely. Oh, oh! I must go a different way to work with the lady. (loud knockings at the door, R., in which MRS. BOBBINS was locked by VANDYKE) What’s all that knocking? Some one is locked in here. (he goes to door and unlocks it.)
Enter MRS. BOBBINS, R. door.
MRS. BOBBINS. (R., speaking as she comes down without seeing FASTMAN) I can’t bear this any longer. I am determined to know what it all means! (seeing FASTMAN) Mr. Fastman!
FAST. (L.) Yes, my charmer, I am here! Don’t be afraid!
MRS. BOBBINS. (astonished) What do you mean, sir?
FAST. Come, come, don’t let there be any more of this prudery. I’m sure you’ll give me the preference—you wouldn’t make a comparison between a young fellow like me and such an old Guy Fawkes as Bobbins?
MRS. BOBBINS. How dare you, sir, speak of my husband in this disrespectful manner?
FAST. Your husband! Come, come, that’s a little too good, Constantia. I know all about that.