ARABEL. My brother! and I, who thought he was catching herrings!
TRIPTOLE. Not he; he was trying to catch me!
CAPT. H. (outside) Now, Arabella, my girl, shew us a light, will you?
(the handle of the door is heard to turn, and as the door slightly opens, TRIPTOLEMUS precipitates himself against it, shuts it, and draws the bolt)
ARABEL. What’s to be done? if he comes in, you’re a dead man!
TRIPTOLE. And if I go out, I’m another dead man!
(here the door is violently shaken)
CAPTAIN HARDAPORT. (in a thundering voice) Now then, look alive!
TRIPTOLE. (in a loud whisper to ARABELLA) Say you’re ill in bed—with the measles—or the nettle rash.
CAPT. H. (with another bang at the door) I can’t stop here all day, shiver my timbers if I can—so open the door.