Simon (stands C. looking after them). Ha! ha! ha (mockingly)! I’m on the old trail, am I? Can’t pull wool over his eyes. He’s right. Nancy is the dear I’m hunting: the Nipper that will satisfy my thirsty spirit. They do say money is one of the sinews of war, the strongest and the mightiest to win. If that’s so, I’m on my muscle. That’s a glorious old blaze. Simon, make yourself comfortable (sits in arm chair). She told me to, and when a pretty girl asks a favor, there’s nothing shabby about me. (Sits before fire, warming his hands, chair with back to L. Enter Nancy, L. I. E.)
Nancy. I declare, I’m mortified. To see that couple billing and cooing, and she a little thing, who’s only just left her dolls, a-going to be married, and I scrubbing along in single blessedness, because I hadn’t the sense to take Simon Stone when I had the chance. Plague take the fellow! no doubt he’s given me up, when if he had only stuck to it he might have seen (crosses to fireplace), with half an eye, I was dying to throw myself (seizes back of Simon’s chair, whirls it round, and bounces into his lap, as she speaks this) into his arms. (Screams, jumps up, and runs L.) Mercy sakes! who’s that?
Simon. Needn’t rise on my account, Nancy.
Nancy. What?——no——yes——it is. Why, Simon?
Simon. Why Simon? because I was christened so, I ’spose, Nancy. Well, how are you? You see I’m down here on a little business with Mr. Manning. Didn’t think of seeing you. ’Sposed you must be married and settled before this, Nancy.
Nancy. Do you mean to say that you are not here on purpose to see me?
Simon. You don’t suppose a fellow is made of injy rubber, to bounce up after he’s been thrown, and run after the same girl that bounced him, do you? No, Nancy; when I quit gardening so suddenly, I made up my mind that chasing you was not a business that would pay to stick to.
Nancy. Good riddance, Mr. Stone.
Simon. Thank you, Nancy. Just at that point in my hitherto unfortunate career, Uncle Brim died, and left me a legacy.
Nancy. Who’s Uncle Brim?