CUT. But, old gentleman! a young lady used to serve in that shop—she is not ill, I hope?
COT. No, sir; on the contrary, my daughter is quite well.—Can I do anything for you in the way of business?
CUT. (Aside.) Oh! this must be the old father she talks about.—Ha! you are the commander-in-chief of this concern, hey?
COT. Probably I am, Mr. Cutaway.
CUT. Cutaway! you know me, then? What a thing it is to be famous! Know me, and yet you were never introduced to me, to my knowledge.
COT. Oh dear no; I used to see you through the glass door of my parlour, and I intercepted certain letters to my daughter. I saw your name, and I inquired into your connexion,—and saw no reason why I should not—cut the connexion.
CUT. Very cutting, indeed. He’s a sharp blade. Ha, ha! droll! funny! ha, ha!
COT. Happy to find I can please you, sir; I thus return good for evil, since you by no means please me.
CUT. Is there any way to please you?
COT. Oh, certainly; the way to please me lies through yonder door: you can’t think how prettily that door is painted on the outside. As for my daughter, sir,—I keep her present abode a secret.