SERGEANT I smelt it the instant I came in, an' wondered where 'twas comin' from.
HEAD
I only took it to avoid catchin' cold.
SERGEANT Just like meself. We must avoid catchin' cold at any cost. (To Mrs. Cotter) Two glasses o' "Wise's," ma'am."
[Exit Mrs. Cotter.
SERGEANT (to Head)
Wait, an' I'll wipe that black spot off ye'r nose.
[He does so. Enter Mrs. Cotter.
MRS. COTTER (handing drinks) The fire up-stairs is blazing away, an' there's no one sittin' by it.
HEAD
We're all right. (Holding glass) Here's long life to us!
SERGEANT
Health an' prosperity!
HEAD (after finishing drink) We must have another, for I'm not feelin' too well, an' 'tis better be on the safe side. 'Twas through neglect that some o' the best min died.