F.M. Ne repondy à Ma'amzell, ALMA, and watch ELLA!
Ella. Regardez-moi, ALMA. Je puis voler vîte—oh, mais vîte ... oh, I have hurt myself so!
Alma (with sisterly sympathy). That's what comes of trying to show off, ELLA, darling! [ELLA is helped to the bank.
A Paternal Skate-Fastener. 'Ere you are, Missie—set down on this 'ere cheer—and you, too, my little dear—lor, they won't do them cheers no 'arm, Mum, bless their little 'arts! Lemme tyke yer little skites orf, my pooties. I'll be keerful, Mum—got childring o' my own at 'ome—the moral o' your two, Mum!
The F.M. (to Governess). Sayt un homme avec un bong ker. Avez-vous—er—des cuivres, Ma'amzell?
The P.S. (disgustedly). Wot?—on'y two bloomin' browns fur tykin' the skites orf them two kids' trotters! I want a shellin' orf o' you fur that job, I do ... "Not another penny"? Well, if you do everythink as cheap as you do yer skiting, you orter be puttin' money by, you ought! That's right, tyke them snivellin' kids 'ome—blast me if ever I—&c, &c, &c.
[Exit party, pursued by powerful metaphors.
The Egotistic Skater (in charge of a small Niece). Just see if you can get along by yourself a little—I'll come back presently. Practise striking out.
The Niece. But, Uncle, directly I strike out, I fall down!
The E.S. (encouragingly). You will at first, till you get into it—gives you confidence. Keep on at it—don't stand about, or you'll catch cold. I shall be keeping my eye on you!