Part 31 (1/2)

GROGGINS.

Well, he'll be in--Wandsworth if he don't part.

MRS. TEMPENNY.

s.h.!.+ 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 gla.s.s-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 gla.s.s is heard_.)

MRS. TEMPENNY (_with a shriek_).

Ah!

GROGGINS (_pus.h.i.+ng 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.