VOICE. I often wondered whether he got another pair of trousers; but then his are so shiny all over that you really couldn't tell unless you were told. Let's call him in and ask.
Capt. G. (Gravely.) No. I don't think he'd like that. Your head comfy, Sweetheart?
VOICE. (Faintly with a sigh of contentment.) Yeth! Gracious, Pip, when did you shave last? Your chin's worse than the barrel of a musical box.—No, don't lift it up. I like it. (A pause.) You said you've never cried at all. You're crying all over my cheek.
Capt. G. I-I-I can't help it, dear.
VOICE. How funny! I couldn't cry now to save my life. (G. shivers.) I want to sing.
Capt. G. Won't it tire you? 'Better not, perhaps.
VOICE. Why? I won't be bothered about. (Begins in a hoarse quaver)
“Minnie bakes oaten cake, Minnie brews ale,
All because her Johnnie's coming home from the sea.” (That's parade, Pip.)
“And she grows red as a rose, who was so pale;
And 'Are you sure the church-clock goes?' says she.”
(Pettishly.) I knew I couldn't take the last note. How do the bass chords run? (Puts out her hands and begins playing piano on the sheet.)
Capt. G. (Catching up hands.) Ahh! Don't do that, Pussy, if you love me.