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butcher probably supplies us both—that the same policeman certainly watches over us both—and I am happy! That being the case, I'll go to bed. Luckily I always sleep like a top here—everything is so remarkably quiet! I never hear even so much as a mouse stirring! (goes toward bed—a knocking heard without, r. 2 e.) Holloa! who can that be? (knocking repeated louder) I repeat, who can that be?— it can't be the hot rolls for breakfast at this time of night! (knocking again louder) Well, as I can't imagine who it is, suppose I see who it is! (goes to the door r. h., and half opens it) May I venture to inquire—(the door is pushed violently open, nearly upsetting Grimshaw, and Fanny Sparks hurries in r. d. 2 e.) A female! |
| Fan. | (suddenly stopping, and turning toward him) Hush! Shut the door!—quick! |
| Grim. | (seeing her) Eh? no—yes—'tis she—Fanny! |
| Fan. | That'll do—shut the door, I say! (Grimshaw goes and closes door r. h., then turns and watches Fanny, who goes to door r. c., opens it and looks in) A closet!—all right! (shuts door—then goes to door l. c., opens it and looks in) Another closet!—all right again! (shuts door, then goes to door l. h.) What's this? a door, carefully and securely nailed up!—all right again! (crossing rapidly to Grimshaw, who has been watching her movements in silent astonishment) Now! (grasping Grimshaw's arm, and leading him suddenly forward) Peter Thingummy! I don't know your other name |
| Grim. | (r.) Fanny Thingumbob!—that's all I know of your's. |
| Fan. | (l.) You are doubtless surprised—I might say astonished—to see me here—umph! such a proceeding on my part might very naturally make your hair stand on end! it doesn't—but I say it might—now, speak—be candid, and I'll listen to you with the patience of a lamb. |
| Grim. | Well, then, I really must be allowed to observe that |
| Fan. | I perfectly agree with you; listen to me, as patiently as I've listened to you. I watched your landlady out of the house—she left the street door ajar—I slipped in—and here I am!—of course I have a motive—a powerful motive! |
| Grim. | (insinuatingly) The pleasure of renewing our acquaintance? |
