Smith. (aside) It is not often I am treated in this manner. (aloud) Thank you, Mr. Dunnbrowne. (leans his umbrella against the chair, and puts his hat and gloves under the seat—drinks) This is splendid, sir. It is really delicious.
Dunn. Ah, I thought you would say so. (holds his glass up to the light—drinks) Is it not exhilarating?
Smith. It is. (aside) He thinks more of his wine than of his poor daughter.
Dunn. (aside) The wine has not loosened his tongue very much yet. He must have another glass. (aloud) Have another glass, Mr. Smith, it will do you a power of good. (re-fills Smith's glass)
Smith. Thank you, sir. (aside) This is what I call good business; but I must say that, in all my experience as an undertaker and funeral furnisher, I never met a man who bore a daughter's death with greater fortitude than this man does, never. (drinks)
Dunn. (aside) Well he is a bashful fellow. Why does he not speak out like a man? I would commence the subject myself, but he might run away with the idea that I was anxious to get rid of my daughter, and I should not like him to think that on any account. How quiet he sits! I don't see any thing else for it but applying the lotion to his refractory tongue until the desired effect is produced. (aloud) Come, Mr. Smith, empty your glass and let me re-fill it for you.
Smith. With pleasure, Mr. Dunnbrowne. (empties his glass. Dunn. refills it—aside) I am enjoying myself and no mistake. (aloud) Thank you, Mr. Dunnbrowne, thank you. I'm sure you are very kind.
Dunn. Not at all, Mr. Smith. When business such as we have on hand is to be transacted, we must make ourselves as sociable as possible.
Smith. (aside) Now that he has mentioned business I had better take the hint and commence. (turns towards Dunn., aloud) The business that has brought us together is not of a very cheerful character, I am sorry to say.