This page has been validated.
22
BOX AND COX.
| Cox. | So will I! |
| Box. | I'll go to law! |
| Cox. | So will I! |
| Box. | Stop—a thought strikes me. Instead of going to law about the property, suppose we divide it. |
| Cox. | Equally? |
| Box. | Equally. I'll take two thirds. |
| Cox. | That's fair enough—and I'll take three fourths. |
| Box. | That won't do. Half and half! |
| Cox. | Agreed! There's my hand upon it |
| Box. | And mine. [About to shake hands—a Postman's knock heard at street door. |
| Cox. | Holloa! Postman again! |
| Box. | Postman yesterday—postman to-day.— |
Enter Mrs. Bouncer.
| Mrs. B. | Another letter, Mr. Cox—twopence more! |
| Cox. | I forgive you again! [Taking letter.] Another trifle from Margate. [Opens the letter—starts.] Goodness gracious! |
| Box. | [Snatching letter—starts.] Gracious goodness! |
| Cox. | [Snatching letter again—reads.] "Happy to inform you—false alarm"— |
| Box. | [Overlooking.] "Sudden squall—boat upset—Mrs. Wiggins, your intended"— |
| Cox. | "Picked up by a steamboat"— |
| Box. | "Carried into Boulogne"— |
| Cox. | "Returned here this morning"— |
| Box. | "Will start by early train, to-morrow"— |
| Cox. | "And be with you at ten o'clock, exact."[Both simultaneously pull out their watches. |
| Box. | Cox, I congratulate you— |
| Cox. | Box, I give you joy! |
| Box. | I'm sorry that most important business of the Colonial Office will prevent my witnessing the truly happy meeting between you and your intended. Good morning![Going. |
| Cox. | [Stopping him.] It's obviously for me to retire.—Not for worlds would I disturb the rapturous meeting between you and your intended. Good morning! |
| Box. | You'll excuse me, sir—but our last arrangement was, that she was your intended. |
