Dasher. Does she mean to come? I cannot attract her attention. (Backs up still, waving his handkerchief.) Why don’t she come? (Backs against Mulligrub’s chair, sending it over, and Mulligrub on to the floor.) I beg your pardon.
Mulligrub (picking himself up). Sir!
Dasher. I really beg your pardon. Did you break anything?
Mulligrub. No, sir; but I shall presently break the peace and your head.
Dasher. I beg you won’t do anything of the kind. It was an accident; and besides, you are trespassing here.
Mulligrub. O, I am! And pray, sir, will you be kind enough to explain the meaning of that remark?
Dasher. Certainly. This is Mrs. Mulligrub’s private drawing-room, where none but her friends are allowed to enter.
Mulligrub. Indeed! (Aside.) This must be “Dip.” (Aloud.) Well, sir, I am one of her friends—a particular friend.
Dasher. I see: an old friend of the family. You’re just the man I want to see. Yes, sir, the moment I set eyes on you I said to myself, “There’s a man who can serve me.”
Mulligrub. Indeed—(aside) with a broken head.