FLOR. How generous of you! (Aside.) The little hypocrite!
SKRUFF (aside). If Hetty doesn’t get the money, Florence must! That’s logic, so here goes! (Aloud.) Miss Florence, I hope you will pardon the liberty I am about to take—
FLOR. A liberty! from you—you whom I hope I may look upon as a friend! (with pretended earnestness).
SKRUFF. Dearest miss—you may!
FLOR. Then I may venture to ask your advice on a matter of the most vital importance to me!
SKRUFF (aside). Now for Teddy! If Teddy doesn’t catch it hot it’ll be no fault of mine! So look out for squalls, Teddy! (Aloud.) I think I can guess the subject you are about to refer to—a certain Mr.—Mr.—(taking a side look at his memorandum-book)—Edward Mallingford?
FLOR. Exactly!—do you know him?
SKRUFF. Personally, no!—professionally, as the signer of accommodation-bills by the bushel, intimately!
FLOR. Mr. Mallingford? There must be some mistake!