LADY. Oh no!
GUARD. Has any one left this carriage?
LADY. Yes! a gentleman—not a minute ago.
GUARD (sulkily). How can I examine people’s tickets when they get out at every station?
LADY. He fancies he has lost his ticket.
GUARD (suspiciously). Lost his ticket?—what a pity! (Aside.) That’s an old dodge! (Aloud.) Is the gentleman one of your party, ma’am?
LADY. Oh dear no! only so far as we are journeying in the same compartment.
GUARD (examining the GENTLEMAN’S bag). No name on his travelling-bag—that’s queer! We’re expected to keep both eyes open on this line, ma’am—only yesterday we nabbed a desperate bank forger at this very station; and we’re on the lookout for an escaped convict to-day!
LADY (aside). An escaped convict? that dreadful Mr. Burkshaw, no doubt? Not a very cheerful subject of conversation—I’m really getting quite nervous! (collecting her packages and rising).