16
GRIMSHAW, BAGSHAW, AND BRADSHAW.
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mind to light the fire—we shall be all the more comfortable—I will light the fire, (opens door of closet, r. h. f., and goes in.)
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Enter Bagshaw, hurriedly, through panel at back of closet, l. c.—comes on stage through door.
| Bag.
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Towzer's got into the house—I saw him distinctly through the keyhole, crossing the passage towards the door of that room! Egad! it was lucky I happened to see my charming neighbors shut that sliding panel upon me as I left them, or I should have been nabbed to a certainty; and now I must beg and entreat them not to betray me. Where the deuce are they? they can't surely have gone to bed—I'll just take a peep. (advances on tip-toe towards . bed—at the same moment, Grimshaw comes out of closet, r. c., with a bundle of wood, and shovelful of coals—they meet face to face.)
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| Grim.
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(after a moment’s pause, puts bundle of wood and shovel of coals on table, then takes Bagshaw by the arm and brings him down) Now, Sir! (in a violent tone.)
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| Grim.
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I won't hush! Who are you, Sir? what do you want here, Sir? and how did you get here, Sir—in my apartment, Sir?
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| Bag.
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Your apartment? no, no—that won't do—I know better.
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| Grim.
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Oh, you know better, do you? ha, ha! (with a forced laugh) You're a funny fellow, you are! I don't know whether you're aware of it, but you're an exceedingly funny fellow!
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| Bag.
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You're very kind, I'm sure! (trying to take Grimshaw's hand, who snatches it away) A relation of the lady's, I presume?
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| Grim.
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The lady's (aside) He means Fanny! I'll frighten him. (aloud) Yes, Sir, I'm her big brother!
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| Bag.
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So much the better—then of course you're in the secret?
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| Grim.
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(aside) I rather suspect I am—Oh, faithless Fanny. (aloud and pointedly) Do you smoke, Sir?
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| Bag.
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Yes—allow me to offer you a cigar! (presenting case.)
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| Grim.
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Pooh, pooh! (knocking cigar case away.)
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| Bag.
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Then of course you know all about it, eh? (poking him in the side.)
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