BROWN. John Horatio—Walker?
MRS. J. (aside to him) Yes—but no relation to the twopenny postman, on my honour.
BROWN. (after a short pause and eyeing O’WALKER with a savage earnestness, then approaching him and in a loud whisper) So, sir!——
O’WALKER. I very much regret that most important business with the Austrian Ambassador—— (going)
BROWN. (grasping his arm and stopping him) His Excellency must wait. So, sir, you are the friend of your intimate friend’s friend after all, are you? I thank you, John Horatio, for the information, as it will enable me to redeem my promise of immediately sweeping him off the surface of the earth.
O’WALKER. Be it so, but I claim an Irishman’s right of making his last speech. (going towards L. and speaking off) Will any one oblige me by stopping the first omnibus that goes near the Surrey Zoological Gardens, for the purpose of conveying this gentleman back to his cage. (pointing to BROWN)
Enter PATTY, L.—overhears O’WALKER.
PATTY. Who? my B. B.! (running to BROWN) Let any one lay a finger on my intended, if they dare! (flourishing her clogs)
MRS. J. Cousin Brown, your intended!—then why shouldn’t the two weddings take place together? Come, Cousin Brown, give your consent—Mr. O’Walker’s moral character will bear the strictest scrutiny.
PATTY. Like my B. B.’s. (BROWN gives a savage laugh and looks at O’WALKER)