SKRUFF. It wouldn’t break your heart, then, to part with Teddy! because if you really do feel a sort of a sneaking kindness for me, I’ll do all I can for you, I will indeed.
FLOR. (with pretended emotion). Oh, Mr. Skruff!—but, of course—my uncle—ah! he’s here—
[Runs off hastily into house.
SKRUFF. She refers me to her uncle! nothing could be plainer! I’ll soon obtain his consent by enlightening his weak mind as to Master Teddy and his friend the captain!
Enter GRITTY at back.
GRITTY. Oh, here you are, Sammy! What the deuce have you been doing with yourself?
SKRUFF (aside). I must give old Gritty a lesson! (Aloud.) Mr. Gritty, allow me to remark, with the greatest possible respect, that you’re an infant! a positive infant!
GRITTY (looking at him—aside). Samuel’s been at the sherry!
SKRUFF. Yes, Gritty! there’s a simple confiding innocence about you that’s positively pitiable!
GRITTY (angrily). Gently, Samuel, gently! What the deuce are you driving at?