Beg pardon, my Lord! A bit out of my track.

Missed my way. But—ahem!—is that really the "crack"?

Why, he looks cherry ripe—at a distance. I've heard

All sorts of reports—gossips are so absurd!

But—would you mind telling me—has the Great Horse

Been really—got at? Entre nous, mind!—

Noble Owner (drily). Of course!

Dissolution's shy backers would much like to know.

But—tell them who sent you to ask—it's no go!

[Exit, leaving Polite Stranger planté là.