James.—"Well, ma'am, you see I want to live where there are more carriage visitors. I have nothing at all to say against you, ma'am, or the place; but I want to better myself by seeing a little of 'igh life."
Lady.—"Then if you have no other reason for wanting to go, James, I fear we shall have to part, as I certainly can't arrange to receive carriage visitors simply for your benefit." (Sinks languidly back on the couch and resumes her book. James retires.)
Lady (to herself).—"How tiresome these servants are, to be sure, now I shall have the trouble of engaging a new footman. I really think no one with my delicate health had ever so much to do before." (Rises and retires.)
Scene 2.—Bringing in the word Bang.
Old gentleman sitting in an arm-chair, a table by his side, on which medicine bottles and a gruel basin are placed, and his leg, thickly bandaged, resting on a chair.
Old Gent.—"Oh, this horrid pain! what shall I do? will no one come to help me? That stupid doctor has done me no good."
Enter Maid-servant.—"Please, sir, the doctor has come. Shall I tell him to come upstairs?"
Old Gent.—"Of course you must, and unless he is quick I shall die before he gets here. Oh dear! Oh dear!" (Exit maid, banging the door after her.)
Old Gent (shrieking out with pain).—"Oh, you cruel creature, how can you bang the door in that way, when even the slightest footstep on the floor is enough to make me wild? Quick, doctor, quick!" (Here the maid again appears, holding the door open for the doctor.)
Doctor (with a large case of instruments under his arm).—"Mr. Grumbleton, you appear to be very ill; can I do anything to relieve you? Let me feel your pulse."