[Exit laughing into house L. H.
TAUNT. Now, perhaps you’ll enlighten me! Who the deuce is Skruff? Explain this Skruff.
FLOR. All I know of the interesting object of your inquiry is that he is the son of an old friend of my uncle’s; that the object of his visit here is to make a conquest, on the shortest possible notice, either of Hetty or your humble servant!
TAUNT. (savagely). Let Skruff beware how he poaches on my manor!
GRITTY (heard without). Now then, Florry, Hetty, where the deuce are you?
FLOR. There’s uncle calling; come along, Harry, I know how anxious you must be to make Mr. Skruff’s acquaintance—ha! ha!
[Exeunt FLORENCE and TAUNTON at back R.
Enter SKRUFF hurriedly at back from L.
SKRUFF. Confound old Gritty! Wouldn’t let me go till he’d dragged me through several acres of lettuces and spring onions; consequently the girls have vanished and I’ve lost my chance. Wish to goodness I knew which of the two was to have the money (bell rings).