Smith. (aside) The wine is getting into his head or he would never think of engaging the ringers to ring for a funeral. (aloud) I will engage the ringers if you wish, Mr. Dunnbrowne, but really I——
Dunn. Oh, I will pay all expenses, sir.
Smith. (aside) Argument is useless while he is under the influence of that wine. I had better bring my business to an end, and take my departure. (aloud) Will you kindly permit me to see your daughter?
Dunn. It would give me exceeding pleasure to do so, Mr. Smith, but she is not in at present.
Smith. Not in! (aside) Who ever heard of a corpse going out for a walk! The man is hopelessly intoxicated. It is a blessing that I have not been prevailed upon to take more of that wine, or I should have been as bad as he. (aloud) If you will allow me to see your daughter now, Mr Dunnbrowne, I shall not have to come here again to take the measurements.
Dunn. Take the what?
Smith. The measurements.
Dunn. The dressmaker will do that, sir.
Smith. (aside) That wine again. (aloud) Dressmakers do not usually take the measurements for a coffin, sir.
Dunn. Coffin! What are you talking about, sir? Coffin! (aside) The wine has made him more garrulous than I wished. (aloud) What should we want a coffin here for, eh?