Gin. Yis, sah! James Tick, Esq., and Bob Spratt.
Spratt. (Aside.) The monkey!
(Exit Gin., D. F.)
Tick. (Eying Spratt. Aside.) If that guy is a dog fancier, then I’ll quit the business.
Spratt. (Aside.) He looks too young for a father in adversity. Guardian, possibly. (To Tick.) Our business is mutual, I presume.
Tick. I presume you know nothing about it.
Spratt. (Aside.) A good guess. He is uneasy. (To Tick.) I presume we can be friendly about it.
Tick. (Turning away.) Presumption is a good thing—for a book agent.
Spratt. (Aside.) A hard case to handle. I’ll draw him out. (To Tick.) If I may ask, father?
Tick. Look here, stranger, you are impertinent.