I drew my arm familiarly through that of a reluctant curate, and walked him smartly up and down, discussing volubly the merits of my nose in tones which suggested that I had no roof to my mouth, Did a lady protest that she had already contributed, I repeated "Oh, madam!" reproachfully and crescendo till the hush-money was paid, while in front of those who affected not to see my out-stretched hand, I stood as if rooted to the spot. I borrowed the vicar's wideawake, ostensibly for a conjuring trick, and wore it assiduously for the rest of the afternoon and, on his demurring to such use, I explained, in the voice of G.P.Huntley, that it went so well with the nose.
In short, I played the mountebank to a degree that astonished myself, but apparently to some purpose, for the money came in properly.
The performances went with a bang, and when, at the conclusion of the playlet, I lifted Judy to the rickety shelf, so that her head and shoulders were framed in the mouth of the booth, it was the signal for a burst of applause.
On one of these occasions:
"It's not fair that I should take every call," she said, looking down at my upturned face.
"My dear Judy, I have my reward."
"What?"
"Don't I lift you up every time?"
She laughed pleasedly.
"Gallant Punch, you're easily satisfied."