Page:Grimshaw, Bagshaw and Bradshaw.djvu/12

that young man's lodging, the incident is rather a strong one.

Fan.	Not at all—surely you can take a bed at a friend's for one night?

Grim.

I beg your pardon—I've only one friend in all London, and he's at Birmingham.

Fan.	So much the better, for you can make use of his lodgings.

Grim.

No, I can't—he's taken his lodgings with him—I mean the key of his lodgings.

Fan.	Then go to an hotel—or, even supposing you have to walk about the streets for a few hours, you'll be more than repaid by the knowledge that you are obliging me. (in an insinuating tone and manner.)

Grim.

True! I never thought of that! What could I have been thinking about that I should never have thought of that? Miss Fanny, as you very properly observed just now, I am a good-natured creature—in short, a good-natureder creature doesn't exist; but I am not a pump—I am several degrees removed from a pump; therefore, if you still contemplate domesticating yourself in my apartment for the night, you must take me as one of the fixtures.

Fan.	(imploringly) Peter!

Grim.

It's no sort of use trying it on with "Peter," (imitating) because "Peter" won't do, and what's more, Peter won't be done!

Fan.	Cruel, barbarous man! (sobbing)

Grim.

Now don't—I'm not cruel—I'm not barbarous!

Fan.	I see how it is—you want me to go down on my knees to you; very well, I will. (about to kneel.)

Grim.

No, don't! (preventing her.)

Fan.	(struggling) Yes, I will!

Grim.

Don't be absurd! (suddenly and violently) But, goodness gracious, if you'd only tell me what you want my apartment for!

Fan.	I will—you shall know my secret—another time—there—now do go! (offering him his coat.)

Grim.

Well, (aside, as he takes off his dressing-gown) this is pleasant—turned out of my own apartments at nine o'clock at night—I might say a quarter past nine! Just like me—in short, it's me all over! (putting on coat, then again, suddenly and violently, to Fanny) One moment—you'll