Knickerbocker.
With a good thrashing to boot, I suppose. [No matter, if I can but slip out of the house, I don't care what I slip into.][103] [Knickerbocker sits in arm-chair, and is attired by Alice in a woman's dress: on rising, the petticoats but reach his knees.] Confound the lower garments! they're too short [by half.][104]
Alice.
'Tis your legs are too long [by half!][105]; stoop down; [say as little as possible, and you'll not be discovered.][106] [He again sits.
Dame enters.
Dame.
[Well, I've got back and I see Mr. Van Slaus is gone! but][107] where's that varlet, Rip; out again? Oh, that Rip! that Rip! I'll certainly be the death of him; or he will of me, which is most likely. Alice, who have you in the chair?
Alice.
The pedlar woman, aunt, who has come for the things she left.
Dame.