Time in Representation—40 Minutes.
“WANTED, A YOUNG LADY”—
SCENE.—Interior of an old Country Mansion; door, C.; door, R.; door L.; easy chairs; couch, L.; fire-place, R.; clock, C.; chairs, &c.; table, R., on it a lighted lamp; closet at back, L.
SIMON. (entering, door C.) Yes, yes, godfather, make your mind easy, you may sleep quietly on both sides of your face. (advancing) That’s a saying in our parts; but I have tried it, and I couldn’t do it. (looking at clock) Seven o’clock! what a litter this room is in. (placing chairs, &c.) And look here. (indicating clothes scattered over an easy chair) What’s all this? Oh, old master’s morning gown. (places it in the closet) I have an idea that this place of mine suits me very well. I am boarded and lodged and washed, eight pounds a year, and the key of the cellar. I fancy I shall soon get my nose red in this house. (sits) This here easy chair is uncommon comfortable.
FRANK. (entering, C. door, a portmanteau in his hand) I don’t see a soul about. (seeing SIMON) Eh! halloa, my friend! (shaking him) What are you doing there?
SIMON. (all aback) Me, sir! I—I’m a doing my work.
FRANK. Doing what?