Barlow. Come on, Brad. I’ll show you the trick in two jiffies—it’ll relieve your worry about madam, too.
Bradley. Very well—I suppose there’s no way out of it. Only let me know as soon as Emma arrives, will you?
Mrs. Perkins. Yes—we will.
[They go out. As they disappear through the door Thaddeus groans aloud.
Mrs. Perkins. Why—what is the matter, dear? Are you hurt?
Perkins. Oh no—not at all, my love. I was only thinking of Mr. Jarley’s indignation to-morrow when he sees the hole I made in his curb-stone with my ankle—oh!—ow!—and as for my back, while I don’t think the whole spine is gone, I shouldn’t be surprised if it had come through in sections.
Mrs. Perkins. Why, you poor thing—why didn’t you say—
Perkins (savagely). Why didn’t I say? My heavens, Bess, what did you think I wanted the Pond’s Extract for—to drink, or to water the street with? O Lord! (holding up his arm). There aren’t any ribs sticking out, are there?
Barlow (outside). The other way—there—that’s it—you’ve got it.
Bradley (outside). Why, it is easy, isn’t it?