Dunn. Corns, sir, corns? No!
Smith. I am glad of that. I don't care to see them walking lame in the slightest. It quite spoils their appearance. Is she quite sound in every other respect?
Dunn. Well, yes, I never heard her complain. (aside) What odd questions he asks!
Smith. She does not cough or wheeze, Mr. Dunnbrowne, does she? She is not broken-winded at all, is she?
Dunn. Broken-winded! I don't understand you, Mr. Smith. Why do you ask so many absurd questions about her? You are not obliged to have her if you don't choose to.
Smith. I am perfectly aware of that, sir. I am simply asking fair questions. As I said before, I want to know what I am getting. I don't want to make a blind bargain. Can I see her now?
Dunn. Not at present—she is out.
Smith. Taking exercise, I suppose. Well now, Mr. Dunnbrowne, I'll tell you what I will do. I will take her a month on trial.
Dunn. You'll what, sir? You—you'll take her a month on trial! What the dickens do you mean? How dare you propose such a thing to me, sir! (rises)
Smith. Simply because I consider that it is the fairest way of dealing in transactions of this sort. (Dunn. walks across stage) You have no occasion to be vexed at my proposal. I give you my word that I will treat her kindly and pay all expenses during the month, and if she does not suit me I will return her. That is fair and square for both parties, don't you think so?