Mr. G. (sitting at desk, R.). Nothing but debts, debts. What a fool a man is to get married and saddle himself with an expensive family! Well, there is one consolation, my girls will be off my hands some time. Not a bad bargain will the man make who gets Kate. It's a pity, a great pity she isn't a boy. A very different son she would have been to me from the one I have. If I had time to spare from money matters, Eugene would give me great anxiety. Here is that note of Brown's due next week; how am I to meet it? But it must be done or my credit is lost!
Jen. (outside). This way, sir; you will find him in the library.
Doug. (outside). Aw—pwecisely. (Enter Doughlass, L. U. E.) Aw—good morning, sir. I twust you are well to-day.
Mr. G. (rising). Not quite well, I am sorry to say. Will you be seated?
Doug. (sitting L.). Aw—thank you, but you seem vewy busy.
Mr. G. We business men are always busy. (Sits, R.)
Doug. Aw, pwecisely. I will not twespass long on your valuable time. To pwoceed to business at once, I came to ask—aw—for your daughter's hand.
Mr. G. Indeed! Have you my daughter's consent?
Doug. Aw—not exactly, but I weally do not think there will be any twouble about that. (Aside.) Does he think any woman would wefuse me?
Mr. G. I was not aware matters had gone so far. But I have two daughters. Do you mean my eldest or—