ALPH. Yes, you do presume, don't you know! (_Aside._) This fellow will cut me out if I don't take care. AUG. (_To Jane._) May I take the liberty of asking you to take a little refreshment? JANE. Certainly! (_Takes his arm._) ALPH. Well, I shall get the needle in a minute. (_To Augustus._) Look here, old man, I am---- AUG. Some other time, old chappie! ALPH. But I paid her fare down here! AUG. Well, I'll take care of her till I see you are a little more sober, don't you know. ALPH. No; I don't know. AUG. (_To Jane._) There is going to be a little dancing in the pavilion. JANE. Oh, that will be lovely! AUG. And may I have the pleasure of your hand? ALPH. He'll have the pleasure of my foot! AUG. As I was saying, may I have the pleasure of your hand in the dance? JANE. With pleasure. (_Waltz played piano._) AUG. Ah, they've started! Let us join the revelry. ALPH. Go to the devilry! False girl, you have blighted my maiden heart! (_Jane laughs._) AUG. (_Laughing._) Ah, that's truly funny, old chappie, don't you know! Come along, Ma'mselle! [_Exit Augustus and Jane into pavilion._ ALPH. Well, this is a pretty state of things! He walks off with my girl and calls her a dam sell. What shall I do? And to think I got this ring out of pawn to give her! I must regain her somehow! How shall I do it? I know. I'll ask her to marry me. I must practise it a bit. I have it. I'll practise with one of these figures. (_Looks at them._) No; I don't like the look of them--they ain't got enough cloth's on! Hallo, here's another! She's covered up. Let's see if she's dressed a little more decent. _He throws the covering by, discovering VENUS. Limelight. Stage fully dark.--Picture.--She is discovered sitting on a chair--(trick chair)--her arm extended. As limelight falls full on her, HANDSAW appears, R. 1 E. Music--piano till end of Act._ HAND. (_Aside._) Hallo, another one! Then there's a gang of 'em here! I may have to get assistance. [_Withdraws._ ALPH. (_Who up to now has been contemplating the figure._) My eye, ain't she a beauty! I'll practise with this one. Now, where's that ring? I wonder if it will fit her? _Puts ring on the figure's finger. As he is doing so, HANDSAW looks on, R. 1 E._ HAND. I wish I could see his face. I can't get a glimpse. [_Withdraws._ ALPH. Most lovely creature, here behold me at your very feet. (_Falls._) Quite so. I love the very ground I walk on! Say you will marry me, and you shall never know a moment's happiness? (_Business.--Scream inside pavilion._) What's that? Someone been run over? Never mind, as I said before---- (_Scream outside._) _AUGUSTUS rushes in from refreshment-room._ AUG. Oh, old fellow, your sweetheart has just had---- ALPH. (_Excitedly._) Kittens? No, it cannot be! AUG. Don't be a fool! She's just had a fit. Come and assist her! ALPH. I'll be a husband to her; and I'll see if I can't _a sis_ter. AUG. Come at once. [_Rushes off into pavilion._