LARKINGS runs out at C. to L.
Catch me leaving Mrs. Woodcock alone for a single moment! No, no, I’ll stick to her like her shadow. I’ll revel in Redowas! I’ll plunge into polkas! I’ll have a shy at the sausages—I mean Schottisches! (here the polka music becomes louder) I don’t half like my wife’s skipping about with that fellow now; if I could only manage to get her away. (looking at clock, which is in a conspicuous part of the stage) Only a quarter past one. (after a short pause) That clock’s too slow. (lounging up stage, assuming an unconcerned manner and humming a tune—when near the clock, looks right and left, then jumps up into a chair, puts the clock on one hour, and jumps off chair again—then taking out his watch) Hey-day! my watch is an hour too slow by that clock, and I know there isn’t a better clock in England. (putting his watch on an hour, then hastily thrusting it into his pocket, aside) Just in time!
Enter MRS. WOODCOCK, at C. from L.
MRS. W. Still here, my dear? Why don’t you come into the ball-room?
WOOD. I will presently—there’s plenty of time! It’s quite early yet! (seeing that he is standing between MRS. WOODCOCK and the clock, moves aside) I repeat, it’s quite early yet! (pointedly, and looking at clock)
MRS. W. (seeing clock) Eh? Can it be possible? Twenty minutes past two?
WOOD. Oh! that clock’s too fast! Look here! (taking out his watch) Holloa! Why it’s half-past two! That clock’s too slow.
MRS. W. How the time slips away!
WOOD. Yes! the last hour’s gone remarkably fast.