[By Force of Impulse.]
[ACT 1.]
Scene 1: Dollerclutch’s Office.
Enter Dollerclutch, D. R. 4 E., with lawyer’s bag. He empties his pockets of papers, etc., on desk, L. 3 E., while speaking.
Dol. Now if that isn’t confoundedly provoking, I’d just like to know what is. There I’ve been on a ninety-mile journey; and what did I gain? Nothing, absolutely nothing, and just to think of throwing away so much money for railroad travel, only to have the satisfaction of knowing that you have added to the pile of monopoly and have nothing in return. Confound these railroad companies anyhow! Honest people subscribe to the stock and build them; then come along these “stock jobbing sharks,” who corner the stocks and put the road in their vest-pockets. And they call that business; but it’s only another name for d—n robbery. But where is that confounded Coriolanus? [Calls.] Coriolanus! Coriolanus! Just like the rascal. Whenever you want him, nowhere to be found. When he is about, what good is he with his stuck up manners and airs? Thinks himself born to fill a higher sphere in life. But the only thing he’s good for is to stand him in the entry and use him for a hat rack. Confound him anyhow! [Calls.] Coriolanus! [Listens.] Where the deuce can he be? To gratify him I answered an advertisement for a position, which, he says, would be more suitable for his intellectual and genteel qualities—and, if it is only successful I shall be well rid of the rascal. [Picks up letter.] Hello! just the thing, by jingo! [Reads.] “Terms satisfactory. If convenient come at once. The position is man-servant; but, as I am away at business during the day, I want a reliable and intelligent person to supervise the work about the premises, and be a protector to the females.” That will just please him, and it will just please me to get rid of him. [Coriolanus puts his head in C. door.]
Cor. Was I mistaken, or did the sound of your voice penetrate the cavity of my ear?
Dol. Did I call? Well, if that ain’t cool! Call? Of course I did!—and why the deuce didn’t you come immediately?
Coriolanus Enters.