SCENE.—Interior of the Lowther Arcade. The Strand Entrance supposed to be at L. side; shops and stalls with goods exposed running across at back of stage; PEDESTRIANS, male and female children walking to and fro at L., a number of people standing, others make their way in with umbrellas up, which they put down and join the PROMENADERS; the BEADLE of the arcade occasionally seen; heavy rain heard.
MRS. J. (without, L.) Now, gentlemen, stand aside—don’t quite block up the way if you please! (forces her way through crowd, L., followed by FANNY; they have their parasols up, which they immediately put down) Mercy on us! here’s a day! this is something like rain.
FANNY. (L.) Yes, mamma, very like it indeed.
MRS. JELLICOE. (R.) However, now we are safe under cover, my dear, suppose we see what we’ve got to do to-day. First, there’s the upholsterer’s; then the milliner’s; then the jeweller’s; then the printer’s——
FANNY. The printer’s—what for?
MRS. J. What for! why, to order the wedding cards to be sure!
FANNY. Lor, mamma!
MRS. J. (imitating) Lor, mamma! just as if you’re not ready to jump out of your wits for joy all the time! I’m sure when I was engaged to your papa, I was so happy, I did nothing but cry all day long for weeks together: but, perhaps I was more in love with the late lamented Jellicoe, than you are with Mr. O’Walker?
FANNY. I like Mr. O’Walker very well, mamma; he’s agreeable enough—very amusing—very attentive—sufficiently good-looking——
MRS. J. And very genteel! And then, he’s very well to do in the world; in short, Fanny, it’s a very desirable match for you in every respect; and if we can only persuade cousin Brown to be of the same opinion——