Coddle. And so much attached to me.
Jane (shouts). Yes, sir.
Coddle. Yes: a very faithful, good, affectionate servant, Jane. I haven’t forgotten you in my will, Jane. You’ll find I’ve got you down there. I won’t say how much, but something handsome, depend on it,—something handsome. (Sits down, and takes up book again.)
Jane. Something handsome! Five hundred dollars! I’ve heard him say so a score of times. He calls that handsome for busting my voice in his service. The old rat! I hate such mean goings-on. (Cries outside.)
Voices. Stop him, stop him!
Jane (runs to window). Eh? what’s that? (Gun fired under window.)
Coddle. Yes, Jane, you’ll be satisfied, I promise you. (Another gun heard.) Heaven will reward you for your care of me, my faithful girl. (Looks up.) Why, where the devil has the woman gone to?
Jane (at window). Good gracious! I say, you feller down there! Lord ’a’ mercy! Get away from here! This is private property.
Coddle (goes to window). Why, Jane, you seem quite excited.
Jane (shouts in his ear). Man with a gun in your garden, smashing the melon-frames, treading on the flower-beds!—Hey, you feller! Police! (Noise of breaking glass.)