Mary Broome: A Comedy, in Four Acts

by Allan Monkhouse

LEONARD. Now first of all, Mrs. Greaves, you will apologise to my wife. Then we’ll settle the other matter.

MRS. GREAVES. I’m sure I’m sorry if there’s been a mistake. I’ve no call to make mischief. I’ll ask your pardon ma’am very willing, but Mr. Whales, he said—and he’s only saying what others—

LEONARD. No more of that, now, if you want to have your bill paid.

MRS. GREAVES. You can be made to pay.

LEONARD. And so can you be made to pay. Do you know what you’ve done?

MRS. GREAVES. Done? I know I’ve been done.

LEONARD. Good, Mrs. Greaves—very good—I’m glad you can joke about it. It may be no joke for you.

MRS. GREAVES. What do you mean?

LEONARD. It’s slander. They give very heavy damages now for slander.