[He keeps up this agreeable rattle, without intermission, for the remainder of the journey, which—as the train stops everywhere, and takes quite three-quarters of an hour in getting from Queen's Road, Battersea, to Victoria—affords a signal proof of his social resources, if it somewhat modifies the O. G.'S enthusiasm for the artless gaiety of a Bank Holiday.
A Row in the Pit; or, The Obstructive Hat.
Scene—The Pit during Pantomime Time. The Overture is beginning.
An Over-heated Matron (to her Husband). Well, they don't give you much room in 'ere, I must say. Still, we done better than I expected, after all that crushing. I thought my ribs was gone once—but it was on'y the umberella's. You pretty comfortable where you are, eh, Father?
Father. Oh, I'm right enough, I am.
Jimmy (their Son; a small, bullet-headed boy, with a piping voice). If Father is, it's more nor what I am. I can't see nothen, I can't!
His Mother. Lor' bless the boy! there ain't nothen to see yet; you'll see well enough when the Curting goes up. (Curtain rises on opening scene.) Look, Jimmy, ain't that nice, now? All them himps dancin' round, and real fire comin' out of the pot—which I 'ope it's quite safe—and there's a beautiful fairy just come on, dressed so grand, too!
Jimmy. I can't see no fairy—nor yet no himps—nor nothen!
[He whimpers.