TAUNT. Mr. Skruff—perhaps you’ll be good enough to answer mine—how did you come to open a letter addressed to another?
SKRUFF. How did I open it? In the usual way, I assure you.
TAUNT. For which I have half a mind to give you a sound horsewhipping!
SKRUFF. My dear sir, as long as you have only half a mind, and keep to it, you may threaten me as much as you think proper. Besides, sir, as I flatter myself that Miss Florence honors me with her partiality—(bowing to FLORENCE).
FLOR. Excuse me, Mr. Skruff! Flattered by your proposal, but compelled to decline (courtesying very low and giving her hand to TAUNTON).
SKRUFF (aside). That’s no go. (Aloud.) How silly of me, to be sure! Of course, when I said Miss Florence I meant Miss Hetty (about to advance).
MALLING. (meeting him). Pardon me, Mr. Skruff! I have a prior claim (holding out his hand to HETTY). Dear Hetty!
HETTY (giving her hand to MALLINGFORD). Dear Teddy!
SKRUFF (aside). Another no go.