HETTY. So, so! Then I must prepare myself for an equally bold resistance (coming forward humming a tune).
SKRUFF (seeing her). Ah, Miss Hetty!
HETTY. Ah, Mr. Skruff!
SKRUFF. Do you know, Miss Hetty, I’m quite pleased with this little place of your uncle’s!—there’s something about it—a sort of a kind of a—umph!
HETTY. Yes. I have noticed myself that there’s something about it—a sort of a kind of a—(imitating SKRUFF).
SKRUFF. In short, it’s the sort of place one could live in altogether—I shouldn’t mind it myself—but not alone! (with a tender look at HETTY).
HETTY (with pretended sentimentality). Of course not, Mr. Skruff! “Who would inhabit this bleak world alone?” You would require a companion—with beauty—amiability—and—
SKRUFF (sentimentally). Ten thousand pounds! (Aside.) Neatly suggested!
HETTY. Ten thousand pounds! Why, that’s a fortune, Mr. Samuel!
SKRUFF (aside). Mr. Samuel! She’s coming round! By Jove! I’ll risk it—neck or nothing, here goes! (suddenly seizing HETTY’S hand.) If you had ten thousand pounds, Miss Hetty—do you think you could be happy with a gentleman like me? (very sentimentally).