BET. But, consider, sir, you can’t expect me to act a part at a moment’s notice. CRUM. Then take that veil to Mrs. Mouser, and in a few minutes you can come back, but be sure you _do_ come back! _Enter MOUSER, L. D. F._ BET. (_looking at him_) Well, I don’t think there’s much danger of my falling in love with _him_. (_MOUSER, who has put his hat, &c., on table, C., turns and sees BETSY, who runs off, L. D._) MOUS. (_L., severely to CRUMMY_) Mr. Crummy, what is that young person? CRUM. Ha, ha! Come, I like that! Go along! MOUS. But _I_ don’t like it, sir--neither shall I go along. I repeat, who is that young person? CRUM. Ha, ha! You do it very well, Mouser--but it won’t do--ugh! you Don Juan! (_poking him in the side_) MOUS. (_after a look of astonishment at CRUMMY, then aside_) Can he have been drinking thus early. CRUM. But I really think you might have waited till I was out of the room, before you---- MOUS. Before I what, sir? CRUM. You know--this sort of thing, eh? (_winking at MOUSER_) I suppose you thought I shouldn’t see you do it, eh? MOUS. Do it. Do what? CRUM. Wink at her. MOUS. (_with grandeur_) Mr. Crummy! CRUM. That’s right--brazen it out--but let me tell you, sir, I have had my eye upon you and that young woman for some time past. MOUS. Oh, damn it, I can’t stand this! you forget that you’re a junior partner, sir. CRUM. And you forget that I’m your wife’s cousin, sir--yes, sir! And I’ll not allow you to impose upon her with your pretended affection, you good-for-nothing little hypocrite you, while you carry on an intrigue under her very nose, sir. MOUS. Nose, sir. CRUM. No, sir! Neither will I suffer you to trifle with the feelings of one that I’m determined shall not fall into the trap you have laid, sir. You know who I mean--Baker, sir! (_going round him in front to L._) MOUS. _I_ trifle with the feelings of a Baker! I lay a trap for a Baker! You’re talking nonsense, Crummy! CRUM. Come, come. Now that you see I’ve found you out--tell me how you contrived to wheedle poor Betsy out of her affections? MOUS. Crummy, I’m not apt to make use of strong language--but--by the living jingo, I never wheedled a Betsy out of anything in all my life! CRUM. Well, I suppose I must believe you. But, intentionally or not, you certainly have made a most powerful impression on her youthful heart! She confessed as much to me just now. MOUS. (_gradually dropping his look of indignation, and with self-satisfaction_) Poor Betsy! I’m very sorry for her, I’m sure! I say, Crummy, she’s a niceish little sort of a girl enough. CRUM. Umph! so, so! (_in a contemptuous tone_) MOUS. So, so! No, let’s be just, Crummy--let’s be just. She has good eyes, Crummy, umph? CRUM. (L.) Squints a little. MOUS. Does she? I’ve never noticed her in the slightest degree whatever--but I’m damned if she squints!