HETTY (starting, and pretending alarm). Ah! his voice—my absence has excited his suspicions—should he find us together we are lost! Break the painful intelligence to him gently—but be firm, Samuel, be firm! (Aside.) Now to tell Florence.
[Runs into house L.
SKRUFF. On second thoughts, perhaps I’d better not break the painful intelligence to him on our first interview, it would hardly be delicate. Besides, I really shouldn’t like to commit an act of violence on Gritty’s premises—it wouldn’t be the right thing to do! Here he comes! I’ll pretend not to notice him! (Seats himself at back at L., and taking out a newspaper, which he pretends to read.)
Enter CAPTAIN TAUNTON at back from R.
TAUNT. (not seeing SKRUFF). Yes! There is no doubt about it, it certainly was risking a good deal to raise that one thousand pounds; but who could resist Florence’s entreaties. One thing is quite certain—Mr. Gritty must know nothing about it.
SKRUFF (watching him over his newspaper). Old Gritty must know nothing about what?
TAUNT. The old gentleman has such a horror of accommodation-bills!
SKRUFF. Oh! oh! accommodation-bills, eh? That’s your little game, my fine fellow, is it? I’ve got him safe enough now, and can split upon him at any time. I wonder what he’s reading? (Seeing TAUNTON, rises and comes cautiously down behind him to look over his shoulder at the letter—stumbles.)
TAUNT. (looking round—aside). The tailor! (Aloud.) Perhaps you would like to read my private letters, sir?