| Box.
|
I heard of it. I congratulate you—I give you joy! And now, I think I'll go and take a stroll. [Going.
|
| Cox.
|
No you don't! [Stopping him.] I'll not lose sight of you till I've restored you to the arms of your intended.
|
| Box.
|
My intended? You mean your intended.
|
| Box.
|
How can she be my intended, now that I'm drowned?
|
| Cox.
|
You're no such thing, sir! and I prefer presenting you to Penelope Ann.
|
| Box.
|
I've no wish to be introduced to your intended.
|
| Cox.
|
My intended? How can that be, sir? You proposed to her first!
|
| Box.
|
What of that, sir? I came to an untimely end, and you popped the question afterwards.
|
| Cox.
|
You are much more worthy of her than I am, sir. Permit me, then, to follow the generous impulse of my nature—I give her up to you.
|
| Box.
|
Benevolent being! I wouldn't rob you for the world! [Going.] Good morning, sir!
|
| Cox.
|
[Seizing him.] Stop!
|
| Box.
|
Unhand me, hatter! or I shall cast off the lamb and assume the lion!
|
| Cox.
|
Pooh! [Snapping his fingers close to Box's face.
|
| Box.
|
An insult! to my very face—under my very nose! [Rubbing it.] You know the consequences, sir—instant satisfaction, sir!
|
| Cox.
|
With all my heart, sir! [They go to fireplace, r., and begin ringing bells violently, and pull down bell-pulls.
|
| Both.
|
Mrs. Bouncer! Mrs. Bouncer!
|
Mrs. Bouncer runs in, l. c.
| Mrs. B.
|
What is it, gentlemen?
|
| Cox.
|
Stop! You don't mean to say, thoughtless and imprudent woman, that you keep loaded fire-arms in the house?
|
| Mrs. B.
|
Oh, no—they're not loaded.
|
| Cox.
|
Then produce the murderous weapons instantly