A Deliberate Old Gentleman, full of suppressed general information (to his two boys). Now, the great thing is not to hurry—we shall find much deserving of careful study here.
[Faces of boys lengthen perceptibly.
An Aunt (to Niece). You'd better go first, Eliza; then you can read it all out to me as we go along.
Confused Murmurs—"Where's Grandma?"—"It is ridiklous to go pushing like that!"—"Well, the Pit's a joke to this!" &c., &c.
In the State Apartments.
Delib. O. G. This, boys, is the ante-room, and here, you see, is a trophy presented by the Maha——
[Puts on glasses, to inspect label.
Policeman (loudly). Now then, Sir, don't block the way, please,—keep moving!
[O. G. moves on, under protest, to secret relief of boys.
The Aunt (examining pair of Elephant Tusks set in carved Buffalo's Head). They may call them "tusks" if they like, Eliza,—but anyone can see they're horns. They belong to one of them "Cow-Elephants," depend upon it!
[Peers anxiously about in vain attempt to discover it.
Loyal Old Lady. There's nothing here but these caskets. I thought they'd the Jubilee Cake on view!
Visitor (in state of general gratification). Ha! they've given her some nice things among 'em, I must say. There, you see,—an arm-chair,—always come in useful, they do!
Female V. Jane, come here, quick! (They gaze reverentially on carved chest full of slippers.) That's what I call a nice present, now,—but, if they were mine, I should unpick all that raised embroidery inside the soles before ever I put 'em on!