GRITTY. Why, Sammy, what a desperate fellow you are—have you been falling in love with both my girls?
TAUNT. With neither, Mr. Gritty—but desperately smitten with their ten thousand pounds!
GRITTY. Oh! oh! that was your little game, eh, Sam?
SKRUFF. I’ll trouble you not to Sam me, Mr. Gritty! I beg you to understand that I’m not going to stand Sam any longer! (drawing himself up). I sha’n’t stop to dinner, Gritty!
ALL (with pretended regret, and in a very appealing tone). Oh, don’t say so!
SKRUFF. But I do say so.
SALLY (aside to him). Now you haven’t told me which is the taters, sir!
SKRUFF. Open the gate, young woman! (SALLY goes to open gate.) Good-morning, Mr. Gritty! Good-morning, ladies! I hope you’ll be happy—though I wouldn’t give much for your chance. (Advancing rapidly to the front.) After all, perhaps I’ve had a narrow escape—who knows but I may have cause to be grateful that I have been declined—
ALL (with low courtesies and bows). With thanks!
As SKRUFF hurries up, accompanied with repeated bows and courtesies, the