Han. Belated Politeness, did you speak?
Hiti. Humbleness begs to inquire what Hoki-poki at the tea-shop said, when you took him his sign-board a month behind time?
Han. He was out.
Hiti. And so with honourable caution, to secure payment, we brought it back again?
Han. No ... we left it.
Hiti. And he, putting his favourable foot into it, has returned it.... Allow me to present you with the signed article:—The Hocus-pocus of Hanky-panky by Hoki-poki. [Presents sign-board.] That’s art-criticism!
Han. [Indifferently.] My usual fate: too good for the public taste.
Pee. Yes—so Mrs. Back-of-the-House thought. It was she who put her foot through it.
Han. Elephant! Grey-mare elephant!
[Attempts to preserve his look of high disdain.