I.P. Oh, just tell Mr. MUGSNAP I should like just one word more with him. Won't detain him a moment.
Austere Domestic. Mr. MUGSNAP! And who's Mr. MUGSNAP, pray? Don't know any sech persing.
I.P. Oh yes, he lives here. Met him, by appointment, only an hour ago. Hasn't he returned?
A.D. (emphatically). I tell you there ain't no Mr. MUGSNAP lives here at all.
I.P. Oh dear, yes! Stout gentleman—military appearance—white waistcoat!
A.S. (scornfully). Oh, him! I saw sech a party 'anging about suspiciously awhile ago, and spoke to the perliceman about him. But I don't know him, and he don't live here! [Shuts door sharply.
I.P. (perspiring profusely, as the state of things dawns upon him! ) Phew! I see it all. "A plant." That's why he met me on the door-step. Of course he doesn't live here at all. Gave a respectable address, and watched for me outside! And the sleek-spoken shark is gone! So are my two guineas!
[Retires a sadder, and a wiser man.