SKRUFF (_aside_). Don't remember either of their names--but they're sure to be in debt somewhere or other--if I only had time to find out _where!_ (_Aloud._) And pray, which is which destined for, Mr. Gritty? (_Aside._) It's important for me to know that! (_taking out his pocket-book on the sly_). GRITTY. Oh, there's no secret about it--Florence is engaged to-- (_Seeing FLORENCE, who enters from house._) Oh! here she comes! And Hetty is going to marry--and here _she_ comes (_seeing HETTY, who follows FLORENCE from house_). GRITTY. Come here, my dears! (_FLORENCE and HETTY come down_). The son of my old partner, Mr. Samuel Skruff. (_Introducing._) Mr. Samuel Skruff--my nieces--Miss Florence Halliday, Miss Hetty Halliday. (_FLORENCE and HETTY courtesy._) SKRUFF (_bowing_). Firm of Skruff & Son, Miss Florence! first-rate business, Miss Hetty! (_To FLORENCE._) Our 13_s._ trousers is a fortune in itself! (_To HETTY._) And as to our everlasting wear fabric, which we advertise so extensively, it is simply all plunder! (_following HETTY and addressing her apart with much gesticulation, while FLORENCE comes down to GRITTY_). FLOR. Oh! uncle, dear! why do you ask your dreadful tailoring acquaintances here? Do try and get rid of this vulgar little man before Captain Taunton comes, or he'll think he's a relation! [_Retires up._ SKRUFF (_aside_). I'm getting on first-rate (_joining FLORENCE, while HETTY comes down_). HETTY (_to GRITTY_). If this odious creature Skruff stays, you really must let him have his dinner in the kitchen. I dare say he's used to it, Edward would be perfectly horrified at his vulgarity. GRITTY. Can't do that, my dear, but I'll relieve you of his presence as much as I can! (_To SKRUFF._) Now, Samuel, as you've made the acquaintance of the ladies, suppose we take a turn round the garden! (_taking SKRUFF'S arm_). FLOR. By all means, Mr. Skruff; there's such a beautiful view of the river from the lawn, Mr. Skruff! HETTY. And we've such a nice boat, Mr. Skruff! FLOR. You can paddle yourself about in it for hours, Mr. Skruff! HETTY. Yes, the longer the better, Mr. Skruff! GRITTY. Come along, Sammy! (_twisting SKRUFF round--SKRUFF resisting_). HETTY. Good-bye, Mr. Skruff! FLOR. Ta, ta, Mr. Skruff! (_GRITTY drags SKRUFF off, struggling at R._) FLOR. Well, Hetty? HETTY. Well, Florence? FLOR. Were you ever introduced to such an objectionable individual before? HETTY. Never! and the creature evidently shows symptoms of falling in love. FLOR. With me? HETTY. With you? Don't flatter yourself! with _me!_ He was on the point of saying something very tender to me when you jealously monopolized his attention! FLOR. Nonsense! I'm sure he was about to declare his passion for me when you cruelly dragged him away! HETTY. Then it's quite clear he means to marry one of us! If he honors _me_ with the preference, I must refer him to Mallingford, ha! ha!