SKRUFF (_in a compassionate tone to TAUNTON, who has still got his handkerchief to his face, and patting him commiseratingly on the back_). Now don't go and make yourself miserable because another fellow has stepped into the ten thousand pounds! TAUNT. (_aside_). The mercenary rascal! I see Hetty's "little game" now. SKRUFF. Keep your pecker up, noble captain. I didn't mean to cut you out, upon my life I didn't! TAUNT. (_aside_). I'll humor the fellow. (_Aloud, and with a very deep sigh._) Well, Mr.--Mr.-- SKRUFF. One moment (_presents card to TAUNTON_). TAUNT. (_reading_). "Skruff--Tailor--Conduit Street. Orders promptly attended to." Your information, Mr. Skruff, I confess, is not a pleasant one! Far from it, Mr. Skruff! (_gives a very deep sigh_). SKRUFF. Now don't go on sighing like that, or you'll be doing yourself some frightful internal injury! TAUNT. Hetty will make you a good wife, Mr. Skruff, and a good mother to the little Skruffs, Mr. Skruff. Might I ask to be allowed to stand godfather to your first, Mr. Skruff? SKRUFF. My dear sir, you shall stand godfather to the first dozen or two if you like! TAUNT. Thank you, Mr. Skruff--but alas! alas! what is to become of the poor abandoned, broken-hearted Taunton? (_another very deep sigh_). SKRUFF. Well! I don't like to advise--but I really don't see why you shouldn't chuck yourself in the water, especially if you can't swim! TAUNT. (_very quietly_). Drown myself--not I! I shall at once propose to the other sister! SKRUFF (_aghast_). What! (_seeing letter on stage, and putting his foot on it_). You mean to propose to Miss Florence? TAUNT. Yes! this very day, this very hour! I suppose I shall be safe in that quarter? You won't have the heart to molest me _there,_ Mr. Skruff. (_Aside._) Now to let Mallingford know about this wretched little interloper! I shall be sure to meet him coming from the station! (_Aloud, and grasping SKRUFF'S hand._) Good-bye, Mr. Skruff! you have acted nobly!--nobly!--nobly, Mr. Skruff! [_Shaking his hand violently, and going off at gate R._