BET. No, sir, Big Charlotte--a red-haired young woman, on a large scale. Perhaps you’ve noticed her, sir? CRUM. Pshaw! Go on. BET. Well, sir, she read the letter out loud, at the top of her voice, sir--and she’s a very powerful organ. Perhaps you’ve heard her organ, sir. CRUM. Confusion! Then the contents of the letter--that Mouser had asked you to meet him here---- BET. Was known all over the laundry in a twinkling. Fancy thirty-seven female voices, including Big Charlotte’s, crying out, “Lawks!” at the same moment? Of course, I was obliged to clear myself, which I did, by telling them the whole business! How it was to oblige you, that I was trying to make Mr. Mouser fall in love with me; because as how you promised to give the little greengrocer’s shop at the corner of the street to the young woman that succeeded in captivating him. CRUM. Well? BET. Well, sir--the words were no sooner out of my mouth, than all the washing-tubs were deserted in a moment, and the whole of the thirty-seven girls--Big Charlotte included--seemed determined to set about captivating Mr. Mouser at once--and, as ill-luck would have it, he passed by the window at that moment, sir--and they all instantly rushed out after him, in a body. CRUM. Zounds! There’s a pretty piece of business! What’ll become of him? Why the devil did I interfere? (_snatches up his hat and runs off_) BET. But, sir! Mr. Crummy! Stop! Where’s my shop? I insist on my shop! (_Great noise of WOMEN’S voices suddenly heard--“Stop, sir!” “Mr. Mouser!” “Don’t run!” “It’s only me!” &c.; MOUSER rushes in at D. L. F., followed by WOMEN; after considerable trouble he turns them out again at door and slams it--noise of WOMEN’S voices repeated_) MOUS. (_shouting at the door_) Go along! Females begone! (_WOMEN heard again at R. D., MOUSER runs and closes it_) MOUS. (_advancing_) What the deuce is the matter with the women? What are the police about? I pay the police rate--cheerfully and willingly pay it--because I can’t help it. I provide a large body of men, not only with the necessaries of life, but with the luxury of an oilskin cape to protect them from the inclemency of the weather--and yet in open day--walking slowly along the public streets--I find myself suddenly overwhelmed by an avalanche of females! (_in a serious tone_) It’s a retribution. Mouser, listen to me--you have a wife, Mouser--and yet, you first run after another woman: and now you have fifty women running after you, Mouser. It won’t do, Mouser! (_sees BETSY_) Ah, Betsy!--so you’re come, eh? BET. No, sir, I ain’t. MOUS. Come, I like that. BET. Well, if I have you sent for me. MOUS. The fact is, I requested your presence here--to--to--reason with you--on the--impropriety of your conduct. BET. Sir. (_aside_) If I was only sure of the shop, I’d bust out a laughing--but, as I ain’t, I dare not. (_aloud_) I see how it is you want to break my heart.