Matilda.—Where did you lay my fan?
Nicholas.—I never touched your fan. (looks at his watch.) It is twenty minutes to eight; I declare we will be late.
Biddy (aside).—I wonder if he manes to keep me shtandin’ here all night?
Nicholas (to Matilda).—I am going!
Matilda.—Here I come.
Nicholas.—It is time you were coming.
Matilda.—Oh, dear!
Nicholas.—What’s the matter?
Matilda.—Oh, you’ve hurried me so that I’ve gone and dressed without my fichu; I can never go without it.
Nicholas (aside).—Confound her fish-hook. (aloud) Snails and turtles! are you never coming?