GRITTY. Has it? When I was in it we gave a first-rate article, paid good wages, and were satisfied with a fair profit.
SKRUFF. We manage matters better than that now!
GRITTY. How so?
SKRUFF. By adding the profit on to both ends. Putting down the wages and putting up the prices.
GRITTY. Well, well, every one to his taste! Your father chose London smoke and slaving on to amass a fortune. I preferred fresh air and a moderate competence, and so we parted. You’ll stay and dine with us to-day, of course?
SKRUFF. Thank you, Mr. Gritty. (Aside). I put a paper of sandwiches in my pocket. Never mind, they’ll keep a day or two.
GRITTY. And after dinner you can tell me to what I’m indebted for the pleasure of this visit. (Suddenly). By-the-bye, you’ll have a glass of wine? Of course you will! (Calling.) Sally! bring in that decanter of port out of the sideboard!
SKRUFF (aside). What extravagance!
GRITTY. Ha! ha! I remember I never could get your father to drink anything stronger than raspberry vinegar drowned in water—and what a wretched looking object he was!—the color of gingerbread and as thin as a pair of nut-crackers! Do you know, Samuel, the more I look at you the more you remind me of him?