Nancy. If I do, I hope ’twill choke him.
Matt. Oh, that’s Nan—hic—cy, is it? Nan—hic—cy, my regards. I salute you, Nan—hic—cy! I’m a poor old soldier, deserted by his (hic) country; but I’ve an eye for beauty (hic). Sorry you haven’t any, Nan—hic—cy.
May. Nancy, speak to your master.
Nancy (starts for door). That I will, quick!
Matt (rising and stopping her). Don’t trouble yourself, Nancy. I’m unfor—hic—’nate, but I’m (hic) polite. Stay where you are. (Sinks into chair.) This company’s good ’nuff (hic) for me.
May. Oh, where can Roy be? This fellow terrifies me!
Matt. ’Scuse me. I’m a patriot. (Hic.) This is what a man gets for servin’ his country. (Hic.) When the battle’s over, turn him adrift. (Hic.) Why didn’t they make me Pres—hic—ident as well as that other fellow? I fit and fed (hic), and he fit and run (hic) for President. ’Sgraceful shame! (Hic.) ’Scuse me.
(Enter Marcus followed by Bess.)
Nancy. Ah, here’s somebody’ll make you run.