All. What easy gaiety, and unforced animation!
The E. My dear boy, let me present you to your fiancée. Rose, my love, this is your legitimate lover.
Colts. Oh, all right, I've no objections—on'y there'll be ructions with the young woman in the tight-rope line as I've been keepin' comp'ny with—that's all!
The E. Your foster-brother will act as your substitute there. (Proudly.) My son must make no mésalliance!
Rose (timidly). And, if it would give you any pleasure, I'm sure I could soon learn the tight-rope!
Colts. Not at your time o' life. Miss, and besides, 'ang it, now I'm a lord, I can't have my wife doin' nothing low!
The E. Spoken like a true Burntalmond! And now let the revels re-commence.
[Re-enter Mrs. Horehound.
Horeh. (to Lord B.). Now then, stoopid, tumble, can't you—what are you 'ere for?
Lord B. (to the Earl). Since it is your command, I obey, though it is ill tumbling with a heavy heart!