Spratt. Never!
Tick. But I insist!
Topp. (To Spratt.) He insists. Is there no way of accommodating him?
Spratt. I suggest you make him give up all pretentions to the young lady and then boot him out of your house.
Tick. Boot me out of the house. Well, that’s cheek enough for an office seeker, you puppy!
Spratt. Puppy! Dare you call me puppy? I’ll— (Makes toward Tick. Topp prevents him.)
Topp. Stay, restrain your impetuosity. Your only remedy is to call him out after I have done with him. As for booting him out of the house, no gentleman could so deport himself toward another gentleman. Do you think I could stain my honor by kicking him?
Spratt. No, it would not do. Let the nigger kick him.
Tick. Gentlemen, this waiting is a bore. (Theatrically.) To fight or not to fight, that’s the question.