[Illustration]

ANGELINA (flushing tenderly).  Oh, EDWIN, have you?  How nice, dear! 
And what is it?

Edwin (eagerly).  Quite providential, I call it.  You know, dearest, I’ve saved three hundred pounds for the express purpose; and here is an advertisement, according to which, for about that sum, we can secure a complete fit-out for our little villa, which, I think, will exactly suit us.  Quite an exceptional chance, as the advertiser says.  A gentleman, lately arrived in this country from India, is unexpectedly compelled to return immediately.  Consequently he is obliged to dispose at once of his lately-purchased house of furniture, at a great sacrifice.  It is as good as new, in fact, has hardly been used at all; is elegant and substantial, and can be seen any day at Vamp Villa, Barnsbury, upon presentation of visiting-card.  Suppose, dearest ANGY, we run over to-morrow afternoon, and have a look at it?  Such a chance—­in the very nick of time, too—­may never occur again!

Angelina.  Oh, EDWIN, how fortunate!  Should it suit us, what a lot of trouble it will save!

Edwin.  And money, too, darling, for the prices seem to be very low.  I’m so glad you agree, dear.

Angelina (with effusion).  Of course I do, EDWIN.  And (with tender glance at one of the oil pictures) how delighted dear Mamma will be! [Osculation, appointment, and exit.

  SCENE II.—­Mysterious-looking Villa at Barnsbury, permeated
    by strong smell of French-polish and fusty straw.  Large “House
    to Let” boards and posters prominently disposed.  Present.
    EDWIN and ANGELINA, and a blandly loquacious person, in
    black broadcloth, with a big foolscap-paper Inventory, and a
    blunt-pointed pencil.

Loquacious Person (fluently).  Why you see, Madam, Mr. PAWNEE LIVERLESS ‘ad to leave for Bombay early yesterday mornin’, and was therefore obliged to leave the sale of his furniture in our hands.  But he is an old client of ours, Mr. LIVERLESS is, and he has given us carte blanche as regards the disposition of his effects.  Only they must be sold at once.  A retired Colonel at Notting Hill, who seemed very sweet on the bargain, promised me a decided answer by twelve o’clock to-day.  It has not come, and I am free to negotiate with the next comer for the furniture as it stands, provided an immediate settlement can be arrived at. Wait I cannot, but in any other pertikler I shall be only too ’appy to meet your views.

Edwin.  I see the furniture is quite new?