[Corks up tube with the air of a man who has had the best of it.
At another Table.
Two Brothers are seated here, who may be distinguished for the purposes of dialogue as the Good Brother and the Bad Brother respectively. The Good B. appears (somewhat against his will) to be acting as host, though he restricts his own refreshment to an orange, which he eats with an air of severe reproof. The Bad B. who has a shifty sullen look and a sodden appearance generally, is devouring cold meat with the intense solemnity of a person conscious of being more than three parts drunk. Both attempt to give their remarks an ordinary conversational tone.
The Bad B. (suddenly, with his mouth full). Will you lend me five shillings?
The Good B. No, I won't. I see no reason why I should.
The B. B. (in a low passionate voice). Will you lend me five shillings?
The G. B. (endeavouring to maintain a virtuous calm). I don't think I will.
B. B. You've been giving money away all the afternoon to people after I asked you for some!
G. B. (roused). I was not. It's dashed impertinence of you to say such a thing as that. I'm sick of this dashed nonsense—sick and tired of it! If I hadn't some principle left still, I should have gone to the East long ago!
B. B. I'm glad you didn't. I want five shillings.