[Exit laughing.
Scene V.—The Zoological Gardens.
El. How sweet are these sights and sounds when hallowed by the consciousness of a beloved presence! How one glows with affection towards every object in nature! Adolphus, dear, don’t you feel, with me, that our hearts warm towards the hippopotamus?
Ad. Mine is positively beating with the
violence of my affection for him. If he was not so wet and bib-bib-big, I could throw my arms round him. Dear hippop-pop-pop-pop-otamoms!
El. Oh, look! there is that gentleman who got into the train with you on the blessed day that we first met. Mr Flamm, I think Mr Gresham said his name was.
Enter Flamm.
Flamm. Ah, Plumper, how are you, old man? I was looking for you everywhere. Why, what have you done with Mrs Plumper and the children?
Ad. My mother and her little grandchildren, you mean. I was not aware that they were to come here to-day.
Fl. Your mother! and grandchildren! Why, what the dev--- Oh, ah, ahem! [Aside.] I see—mum’s the word. Oh fie! sly dog! Naughty, naughty!—but so nice! [Whispers.] You are quite safe with me. [Aloud.] Yes, dear old lady—she’s getting too old to walk much now. [Aside.] I only hope we shan’t meet the young one. A jolly row there’ll be!