Enter Whipple. He seizes Tom by the collar and whirls him away from Matilda.
Tom (seizing his hand). My dear Tim—my very dear Tim—you’re the very man I wanted to see! I am most unaffectedly delighted to see you. (Shaking his hand heartily.) How well—how remarkably well you’re looking, to be sure!
Whi. (shaking his hand with a great show of welcome). Yes, uncommonly well—never better. And how have you been?
Tom. Very well, but rather dull. I say, I’ve got into a nice scrape! They’re after me—they’re advertising for me!
Whi. No!
Tom. Fact! £50 is offered for me! What do you say to that?
Whi. Well, I should close with it.
Tom. Why?
Whi. Because I should think it’s a good deal more than you’re worth.