Enter Mrs. Bouncer, L. H. C.

Box & Cox. Is the little back second floor room ready?

Mrs. B. Not quite, gentlemen. I can’t find the pistols, but I have brought you a letter—it came by the General Post yesterday. I’m sure I don’t know how I forgot it, for I put it carefully in my pocket.

Cox. And you’ve kept it carefully in your pocket ever since?

Mrs. B. Yes, sir. I hope you’ll forgive me, sir. [Going.] By the bye, I paid twopence for it.

Cox. Did you? Then I do forgive you.

[Exit Mrs. B.

[Looking at letter.] “Margate.” The post-mark decidedly says “Margate.”

Box. Oh, doubtless a tender epistle from Penelope Ann.

Cox. Then read it, sir. [Handing letter to Box.]