Venus. Then, I will wait and watch you.
Alph. Do you want to ruin my trade?
Venus. I will make no sign or movement; but I will see you at your daily toil. I have said it! Obey me!
Alph. (Aside.) All right! I’ll put her in a corner. No one would think but she is one of my fixtures.
Venus. Place me where I may behold thee at thy toil.
Alph. All right! Get up in this corner, and I’ll just pop this haircutting cloth over you. (He does so.) If she can once get it into her marble head I’m a barber and keep a shop, I think she will turn up her nose at me, and then she’ll give me back that ring.
Enter AUGUSTUS, R. U. E. Enters shop.
Aug. Good morning, old fellow! I feel a little chippie this morning. (Sits in chair.) I wish I didn’t drink so much, don’t you know! Last night I had a fearful time after going to the Alhambra. (Alphonzo begins lathering him.) They’ve got a beautiful ballet there now. There’s a charming little girl there, who plays one of Venus’s doves. I was mashed on her in a minute, and I pride myself I mashed her too—she’s dead gone!
Venus. Traitor!
(Business.—Alphonzo so frightened, he pushes brush in Augustus’s mouth. Augustus is also very frightened.)