view of lay-figure_.)
GROGGINS.
I have a warrant here for Mr. Rembrandt Tempenny--matter of forty pun'.
MRS. TEMPENNY.
Sh! He is painting.
GROGGINS.
I can't help whether he's painting or not, marm. The question is
whether he is paying or not.
MRS. TEMPENNY.
Man, my husband cannot be disturbed. Don't you see?--he is inspired.
GROGGINS.
Well, he'll be in--Wandsworth if he don't part.
MRS. TEMPENNY.
Sh! talk softly. Your voice will jar upon him.
REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (_aside_).
Now for it. (_At window_.) One--two--three--I don't like the look of
that glass-house much.
_(Hesitates)._
GROGGINS (_decisively_).
I must come in, marm--out of the way if _you_ please.
REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (_aside_).
Oh! It's now or never.
(_Jumps out. A tremendous crash of broken glass is heard_.)
MRS. TEMPENNY (_with a shriek_).
Ah!
GROGGINS (_pushing her aside_).
What's that? (_Aside_.) Oh, there he is. (_Aloud_.) Here you Mr.
Tempenny, sir, I've a warrant 'ere on a judgment summons.--Suit of Cole
the butcher. (_Addressing lay-figure_.) Do you pay up, or come along o'
me?
MRS. TEMPENNY (_at window--aside_).
He's picked himself up--he waves his hand--all is well.
GROGGINS.
Which is it, sir? I allus likes to do business pleasant, only you must
make up your mind, you know. Pay up, or lock up--take your choice.
MRS. TEMPENNY.
(_At window. Excitedly aside_.) He disappears--he's lost to view--the
danger's past.
GROGGINS.
Well, if you _won't_ speak, you _won't_, of course! I've done my 'umble
best to do my dooty affable, and since you're sulky, why--(_Going up to
lay-figure_) Mr. Rembrandt Tempenny, I've a warrant for your arrest.
(_He slaps the lay-figure on the shoulder, it collapses with a crash_).
GROGGINS (_falling back in terror_).
Got 'em again, as I'm a sinner!
(MRS. TEMPENNY _runs to_ D.F. _as if to go_. ROSALINE _half opens_ R.D.
_and pops her head out with an ejaculation_.)
_Act drop, quick_.
ACT II.
SCENE:--SYLVESTER'S _Studio_. (_The next day_.) _Doors R. and L. At
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