JESSIE (pouting). No wonder; he sees well enough that you’re tired of me—that you want to get rid of me—that you—oh! oh! oh!
[Runs out crying at R.
MRS. T. (astonished). There’s some mystery here I must clear up. Jessie! Jessie!
[Hastens out after JESSIE at R.
JACK (without, at L. H., very loud and angrily). Hold your tongue! don’t answer me! don’t be insolent!—there, there! (Enters hurriedly from L. H.) Wheugh! I’m better now I’ve let off some of the steam! ha, ha! Poor old Blunt (stopping suddenly). Stop, there’s nothing to laugh at. I know I was a little bit out of temper—whose fault but his if I was?—with his infernal “first-chop;” but I’d no business to strike the poor fellow, with my foot especially; I ought to be ashamed of myself. Ought to be? I am! Here he comes (seeing BLUNT, who enters at L. H., looking pale and serious; after a little hesitation JACK walks up to him). Stephen Blunt, I ask your pardon; there, that’s settled; now shake hands (holds out his hand; BLUNT looks away). I’m sorry, Blunt, very sorry; would you like to kick me? or shall I kick myself? I’ll try if you like!
BLUNT. I’d rather you had blown my brains out, captain. If any other man in the world had—had—you know what I mean—I’d have knocked him down.
JACK (quietly). Then knock me down!
BLUNT. As you are now, sir? no! but in a fair stand-up fight I would!—at least I’d try!
JACK (with sudden excitement). What’s that? Stand-up fight? this sort of thing? (sparring and hitting out).