A Cultivated Person. An execution—"put a penny in; bell tolls—gates open—scaffold shown with gallows. Executioner pulls bolt—black flag"—dear, dear—most degrading, shocking taste! (To his Friend.) Oh, of course, I'll wait, if you want to see it—not got a penny? Let me see—yes, I can lend you one. (He does; the penny is put in—nothing happens.) Out of order, I suppose—scandalous! and nobody to speak to about it—most discreditable! Stop—what's this? (A sort of woolly beat is audible inside the prison; the C.P. beams.) That's the bell tolling—it's all right, it's working! [It works.
Another Spectator. Very well done, that was—but they 'urried it over a little too quick. I scarcely saw the man 'ung at all!
His Companion. Put in another penny, and p'raps you'll see him cut down, old chap.
BEFORE THE FAIRY FORTUNE-TELLER'S GROTTO.
Susan Jane (to her Soldier.) Oh, ain't that pretty? I should like to know what my fortune is. [She feels in her pocket.
The Soldier (who disapproves of useless expenditure). Ain't you put in enough bloomin' pennies?
Susan Jane. This is the last. (Reads Directions.) Oh, you've got to set the finger on the dial to the question you want answered, and then put your penny in. What shall I ask her?
Soldier. Anyone would think you meant to go by the answer, to hear you talk!
Susan Jane. P'raps I do. (Coquettishly, as she sets the index to a printed question.) Now, you mustn't look. I won't 'ave you see what I ask!
Soldier (loftily). I don't want to look, I tell yer—it's nothing to me.