BROWN. I said I would, and so I will. Take me to him. I’m sorry for your friend’s intimate friend’s friend, but I’ve a duty to perform; and that duty, as I said before, is instantly to sweep O’Walker off the surface of the earth! So come along.
Enter MRS. JELLICOE, L., with BEADLE following.
MRS. J. (as she enters) I’m sure I must have dropped it here. It’s a green reticule, with sixteen shillings and fourpence halfpenny in it, besides a pair of spectacles, two bunches of keys, a packet of envelopes, two buns, a silver thimble, six Queen’s heads, a bill of the play, and half a pint of nuts.
BEADLE. All right, ma’am—I gave it to that gentleman. (points to O’WALKER)
MRS. J. Ah! still here, Mr.——
O’WALKER. (very quickly and interrupting her) Yes—yes. (aside to her) Don’t mention my name—you see that portly individual there— (pointing to BROWN, who is standing with his back towards them) Insane! sad case!—in early life fell in love with the Baron’s fair daughter, you’ve heard of her—she deceived him and married Walker, the twopenny postman, you’ve heard of him—it turned his brain—quiet as a lamb till he hears “Walker”—then raving mad in a moment!—the chances are, he’d murder me on the spot, and you too—I don’t know why he should, but he would!
MRS. J. Lud a mercy! (looking again at BROWN) Eh? can it be? no—yes it is— (to O’WALKER) that gentleman’s no more mad than you are—you’re mistaken in your man, and I’ll prove it. (goes to BROWN and in a loud voice) Walker!
BROWN. (jumping round with a savage yell) Ah!
MRS. J. (C.) Cousin Brown, don’t you know me? (alarmed)
BROWN. (R.) Cousin Jellicoe, delighted to see you! (advancing to her, seizing her hands and shaking them violently)