12
GRIMSHAW, BAGSHAW, AND BRADSHAW.
Pan.
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Yes, Sir—and now that you find that this apartment is occupied, of course you'll return to yours immediately!
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Bag.
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And leave two such charming neighbors? oh dear, no! you don't know John Bagshaw!—the fact is, I have a favor to ask of you, which, from its trifling nature, I venture to consider as already granted.
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Bag.
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Simply that you will allow me to occupy your apartment till to-morrow morning, that's all!
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Bag.
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Of course! Pray don't think of turning out on my account,—besides, I'm easily satisfied—I can sleep anywhere, and I never snore!
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Fan.
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(after a pause of speechless astonishment) Never heard such a thing in all my life! Leave the room this moment, fellow, or we'll turn you out!
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Emily.
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Yes, we'll turn you out!
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Bag.
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Then, I must appeal to your sympathies, ladies. Were you ever in danger of being arrested for your tailor's bill? I am! Eight pounds five—and I've only twelve pounds ten in my pocket.
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Fan.
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Then why don't you pay it?
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Bag.
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Because, with that twelve pounds ten I've got to buy a gold watch and chain for the future Mrs. Bagshaw, Miss Amelia Jones—perhaps you know her—a sweet little creature, keeps a little tobacconist's shop, a little way up Little Windmill Street.
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Fan.
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Then why not change your lodgings?
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Bag.
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I do nothing else but change my lodgings! I've changed them seventeen times already in the last six weeks; but the scoundrel sticks to me like my shadow!
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Bag.
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The Sheriff's officer! I saw him just now leaning up against a lamp-post on the opposite side of the street, with his eyes fixed on the second floor. (crosses to l.)
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Fan. |
Towzer!
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&
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Emily
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Fan.
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(aside to Emily) Then he's not looking for you or Mr. Bradshaw either, after all. (aloud to Bagshaw) We're sorry for you, young man; but at any rate you can't be arrested to-night!
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