| MR. GRITTY. | ||
| CAPTAIN TAUNTON. | ||
| EDWARD MALLINGFORD. | ||
| MR. SAMUEL SKRUFF. | ||
| SPRONKS’S BOY. | ||
| FLORENCE HALLIDAY, HETTY HALLIDAY. | } | (GRITTY’S nieces.) |
| SALLY, a servant. | ||
SCENE.—Exterior of a villa on the banks of the Thames at Teddington—house partly seen at L. H.—a low green railing round it, in C. of which is a small garden gate—rustic seats, flower-beds, etc., scattered about stage—garden wall at R. H.—door in C.—large portable bell hanging over it—bell heard and seen to ring—noise of voices in dispute heard outside.
SKRUFF (without). Don’t tell me! I saw you do it! You needn’t apologize! What do you say—“You ain’t a-going to?” Very well! (another violent ring at bell).
Enter SALLY from house and crossing to R.
SALLY. Who can it be ringing in that style, I wonder? (opens door in C. of wall).
SKRUFF enters hurriedly, holding his handkerchief to his face; he wears a white hat, red scarf, white waistcoat, cutaway coat, and very gay trousers; carries an umbrella.
SKRUFF (walking up and down). The young vagabond deliberately put his toe on a loose stone and squirted half a pint of muddy water into my eye! I saw him do it. He must be an old hand at it too, or he wouldn’t have taken such a good aim; but, luckily, I spied his name on his basket, and if I don’t spoil his trade for potatoes in this establishment my name’s not Skruff! (Takes out a note-book and writes in it “Spronks.”) There! and now, Spronks, my boy, look out for squalls! Some people may like being insulted with impunity—I don’t.
SALLY (who has been following SKRUFF to and fro the stage, at last stops him by the coat-tail). Now, then! what’s your business, young man?
SKRUFF. “Young man!”
SALLY. If you’ve come for the water-rate—or the gas—or the sewers—you must call again!