JOGTROT (smiling satirically). Yes, you said so, certainly!
JACK (gulping down his anger, and very quietly). Have you quite done? Then suppose we change the conversation! Now, if the thing were properly put to you, which do you think you would prefer?—having your nose pulled (JOGTROT retreats), a sound horse-whipping (JOGTROT takes another jump backward), or a good kicking (swinging his right leg about; JOGTROT rushes out at C.).
JACK. Ha! ha! ha! (Suddenly stopping.) Zounds! these infernal little pets of mine will be the ruin of me! Of course he’ll tell aunt—she’ll scold—Jessie’ll blubber—so shall I—at least I’ll try. Our marriage will be— But he can’t have left the house yet! I’ll run after him! Memorandum for the future—when you feel a sudden impulse to strangle a man, do it.
[Runs out at C. after JOGTROT.
Enter MRS. TARLETAN and JESSIE, followed by JOGTROT.
MRS. T. Surely, doctor, you must be mistaken? the thing is impossible!
JOGTROT. I grieve to say I have it from the best authority! an eye-witness. Half an hour ago, almost under this very roof, your nephew was engaged in a low, vulgar, disreputable, pugilistic encounter with his own servant!
MRS. T. A pugilistic encounter? But the reason?—the motive?
JOGTROT (with malicious intention). Is perhaps not very difficult to guess! Your waiting-woman, my informant, is a very comely young person; both master and man may have noticed it too—young men will be young men—a little jealousy perhaps? (MRS. TARLETAN hastily rings small bell which is on the table.)