GRITTY (without, at L.). In the garden, is he? All right! I’ll find him!
Enter GRITTY from villa L. H.
GRITTY. Where is he? (he is in his morning-gown, and wears a wide-brimmed straw hat—sees SKRUFF). Ah! my dear Samuel—(seizing and shaking SKRUFF’S hand violently)—delighted to see you, Samuel—for I suppose you are Samuel—eh, Samuel? And how’s your father, Samuel?
SKRUFF. Quite well, thank you, Mr. Gritty.
GRITTY. And your mother, too, Samuel?
SKRUFF. Quite well, thank you, Mr. Gritty.
GRITTY. And your sisters—and your uncles—and your aunts—and all the rest of ’em—eh, Samuel?
SKRUFF. Quite well, thank you, Mr. Gritty.
GRITTY. Bless me, what a time it is since I’ve seen any of you—and to think that your father and I were partners when you were a baby—and a precious ugly little brat you were! I don’t see much alteration in you now, Samuel—I mean, not for the better. Yes, “Gritty & Skruff,” that was the name of the firm—“tailors”—“Conduit Street”—and a capital business it was, too—and is so still, I hope.
SKRUFF. Yes; better than ever. Father’s made heaps more money since you retired! Trade’s altered completely!