FLOR. Yes; the purchase of the meadow behind the orchard, which you have always been so anxious to possess.
HETTY. To be our joint gift out of our fortune, uncle, when I came of age.
GRITTY. Bless their affectionate little hearts! (kissing FLORENCE and HETTY). Doesn’t this warm one up, eh, Sammy?
SKRUFF. Y-e-s—I do feel warmish! (Aside.) I’m in a raging fever! (Aloud.) Then I suppose, Mr. Gritty, there need be no further concealment as to which of the two (pointing to FLORENCE and HETTY) is the lucky heiress. (Aside.) It’s as well to know.
GRITTY. That’s all settled long ago—the ten thousand pounds will be divided equally between them.
SKRUFF. Oh! (Aside.) Well, after all, five thousand pounds less, that idiotic meadow is worth having; and I am tolerably secure in the affections of both heiresses—I’m pretty sure of getting one. (Beckoning aside to TAUNTON.) I believe, sir, I am correct in coming to the conclusion that your affections are fixed on the younger of Mr. Gritty’s nieces, Miss Hetty?
TAUNT. Sir! (indignantly).
SKRUFF. Now don’t fly out in that way—it’s perfectly immaterial to me—you can have your choice—nothing can be fairer than that!
TAUNT. Before I reply to your question, Mr.—Mr.—
SKRUFF. Skruff.