Whitwell (shouts). Fear? Oh, no! I ain’t afraid. (Aside.) The old scoundrel looks out for number one, don’t he?
(Enter Jane, door in F., with visiting-card.)
Coddle (shouts). It’s a bargain, then? Shake hands on it, my boy. I get an audible son-in-law, you, a charming wife.
Whitwell (aside). Charming, eh? Ah! she with a double hump on her back, and he has the face to say she’s charming.
Jane. Oh, dear! we’re in for another deefy in the family. (Shouts.) A gentleman to see you, sir.
Coddle. Partridges? Yes, Jane, they’ll do nicely. (Shouts.) Now, my boy, before you see your future bride, you’ll want to fix up a little, eh? (Points to door, R.) Step in there, my dear friend, and arrange your dress.
Whitwell (shakes his head). (Shouts.) Distress? Not a bit. It delights me, sir. (Aside.) This scrape I’m in begins to look alarming.
Coddle. The dear boy! he is deaf, indeed. (Pushes him out.) Be off, lad, be off. Find all you want in there. (Motions to brush his hair, &c.) Brushes, combs, collars, and a razor. (Exit Whitwell, R.) I felt certain a merciful Providence would send me the right husband for Eglantine at last. Jane, you here yet? Set the table for four, remember. Every thing’s settled. He accepts. What have you there? a card?
Jane (shouts). Yes, sir. Oh, you old botheration!