A Desperate Game: A Comic Drama in One Act

by John Maddison Morton

(shows pocket book)

POS. You don’t mean that! (very tenderly) Oh, my ever beloved cousin! (aside to RATCLIFFE) Where’s my letter? (again to MRS. SOMERTON, and still more tenderly) I repeat—oh, my ever beloved cousin! (again aside to RATCLIFFE) Where’s my letter?

RAT. (aside to him) I gave it to Mrs. Somerton—it’s all right.

POS. All right! I’m horribly afraid it’s all wrong!

MRS. S. Yes, cousin, I’ve read your cruel words, and as it seems you won’t have me—— (with affected grief)

POS. But I will. (very tenderly) Dry your tears ever-beloved one—I will have you.

MRS. S. What, in spite of the presence of a fine dashing young man under my roof in the middle of the night—eh, cousin?

POS. (still very tenderly) What of that? I’m not so very particular.

MRS. S. But think of the scandal mongers of the neighbourhood—eh, cousin?