Tom. Susan Rosebud! Oh, my dear Jerry, your ogles must be queer! (Goes up; sees Kate). My Kate! by all that’s miraculous! Where is the juggling hag? (Looking for Jane). Why, she’s mizzled! Holloa, Mother Damnable! Oh, there’s some mystery in the infernal mirror, which thus I solve!
Jerry. What are you about, Tom?
Tom. I’m going to mill the glaze—I’ll——
(Is about to break the glass, when Kate and Sue appear as the Miss Trifles).
Tom. The Miss Trifles! by all that’s——
JANE, KATE, and SUE come forward.
Kate. Ha, ha! fairly caught, upon my word. (Retires up the stage, then says aside to Jane and Sue). Now girls it is time we should bring our plans to a conclusion. Logic’s imprudent ramblings have involved him in difficulties which, unless timely met, must terminate in ruin. I have bought up most of his debts; and in the midst of the gaiety of this evening, it is my intention to have him arrested and conveyed to prison. I have sent the officer my card of invitation, that he may be sure to gain admittance. This will open the eyes of the thoughtless trio, and enable us to put the money we took in trust at the gambling-house to its proper use; so let’s away, and about it straight.
[They run off.]
SCENE.—Mr. Mace’s Crib. “All Max” in the East.[33]