Complete Project Gutenberg John Galsworthy Works eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 6,432 pages of information about Complete Project Gutenberg John Galsworthy Works.

Complete Project Gutenberg John Galsworthy Works eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 6,432 pages of information about Complete Project Gutenberg John Galsworthy Works.

L. Anne.  Why?

Lemmy.  As I daon’t believe in a life beyond the gryve, I might be tempted to send yer there.

L. Anne.  What is the gryve?

Lemmy.  Where little gells goes to.

L. Anne.  Oh, when?

Lemmy. [Pretending to look at a match, which is not there] Well, I dunno if I’ve got time to finish yer this minute.  Sy to-mower at. ’arf past.

L. Anne.  Half past what?

Lemmy. [Despairingly] ’Arf past wot!

     [The sound of applause is heard.]

James.  That’s ’is Grace.  ‘E’s gettin’ wickets, too.

     [Poulder entering from the door.]

Poulder.  Lord William is slippin’ in.

     [He makes a cabalistic sign with his head.  Jeers crosses to the
     door.  Lemmy looks dubiously at Poulder.]

Lemmy. [Suddenly—­as to himself] Wot oh!  I am the portly one!

Poulder. [Severely] Any such allusion aggeravates your offence.

Lemmy.  Oh, ah!  Look ’ere, it was a corked bottle.  Now, tyke care, tyke care, ’aughty!  Daon’t curl yer lip!  I shall myke a clean breast o’ my betryal when the time comes!

[There is a alight movement of the door.  Anne makes a dive towards the table but is arrested by Poulder grasping her waistband.  Lord William slips in, followed by the press, on whom James and Thomas close the door too soon.]

Half of the press. [Indignantly] Look out!

James.  Do you want him in or out, me Lord?

Lemmy.  I sy, you’ve divided the Press; ’e was unanimous.

     [The footmen let the press through.]

Lord W. [To the press] I’m so sorry.

Lemmy.  Would yer like me to see to ’is gas?

Lord W. So you’re my friend of the cellars?

Lemmy. [Uneasy] I daon’t deny it.

     [Poulder begins removing little Anne.]

L. Anne.  Let me stay, Daddy; I haven’t seen anything yet!  If I go, I shall only have to come down again when they loot the house.  Listen!

     [The hoarse strains of the Marseillaise are again heard from the
     distance.]

Lord W. [Blandly] Take her up, Poulder!

L. Anne.  Well, I’m coming down again—­and next time I shan’t have any clothes on, you know.

     [They vanish between the pillars.  Lord William makes a sign of
     dismissal.  The footman file out.]

Lemmy. [Admiringly] Luv’ly pyces!

Lord W. [Pleasantly] Now then; let’s have our talk, Mr.——­

Lemmy.  Lemmy.

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Complete Project Gutenberg John Galsworthy Works from Project Gutenberg. Public domain.