Dandy Dick: A Play in Three Acts

by Arthur Wing Pinero

[Closing the door.] Yaas! Noah’s in a nice temper to-day over summat. Ah well, I suppose all public characters is liable to irritation. [There is a knock at the outer door. Hannah opening it, sees Blore with a troubled look on his face.] Well I never! Mr. Blore from the Deanery! Come in! You might knock me down with a——!

Blore.

[Entering and shaking hands mournfully.] How do you do, Mrs. Topping?

Hannah.

And how is the dear Dean, bless him; the sweetest soul in the world?

Blore.

[To himself.] Good gracious! She doesn’t know of hour misfortune. [To Hannah.] I—I ’aven’t seen him this morning!

Hannah.

Well, this is real kind of you, calling on an old friend, Edward. When I think that I were cook at the Deanery seven years, and that since I left you, to get wedded, not a soul of you has been nigh me, it do seem hard.

Blore.