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BOX AND COX.
ACT I.
Scene 1—A Room, decently furnished. At c., a bed, with curtains closed, at l. c., a door, at l. 3d e., a door, at l. s. e., a chest of drawers, at back, r., a window, at r. 3d e., a door, at r. s. e., a fireplace, with mantel-piece, table and chairs, a few common ornaments on chimney-piece. Cox, dressed, with the exception of his coat, is looking at himself in a small looking-glass, which is in his hand.
| Cox. | I've half a mind to register an oath that I'll never have my hair cut again! [His hair is very short.] I look as if I had just been cropped for the militia! And I was particularly emphatic in my instructions to the hair-dresser, only to cut the ends off. He must have thought I meant the other ends! Never mind—I shan't meet anybody to care about so early. Eight o'clock, I declare! I haven't a moment to lose. Fate has placed me with the most punctual, particular, and peremptory of hatters, and I must fulfil my destiny. [Knock at l. d.] Open locks, whoever knocks! |
Enter Mrs. Bouncer, l.
| Mrs. B. | Good morning, Mr. Cox. I hope you slept comfortably, Mr. Cox? |
| Cox. | I can't say I did, Mrs. B. I should feel obliged to you, if you could accommodate me with a more protuberant bolster, Mrs. B. The one I've got now seems to me to have about a handful and a half of feathers at each end, and nothing whatever in the middle. |
| Mrs. B. | Anything to accommodate you, Mr. Cox. |
| Cox. | Thank you. Then, perhaps, you'll be good enough to hold this glass, while I finish my toilet. |
| Mrs. B. | Certainly. [Holding glass before Cox, who ties his cravat.] Why, I do declare, you've had your haircut. |
| Cox. | Cut? It strikes me I've had it mowed! It's very kind of you to mention it, but I'm sufficiently con- |
