"As like miners we explore Hidden treasures in the soul, And we pip-pip-pick the amorous ore Firmly bedded in its hole; New emotions come to light, Flashing in affections' rays, Scintillating to the sight, With a tit-tit-tit-transcendental bib-bib-bib-blaze, Warming us until we burn With a glow of sacred fire, And as coals to diamonds turn, Sparkling in us with did-did-did-desire." _El_. Oh, quite, quite too lovely! Come, Adolphus--why should we linger here, now that our troths are plighted? Why should we not at once brave the world together? I need the sweet scents of the air, the rustle of leaves, the singing of birds, the chattering of monkeys, and the hum of nature. Let us go, my love, and walk in the Zoo. _Ad_. [_rising_]. Dud-dud-dud-do you intend to keep that on? _El_. What on? _Ad_. This mystic garment of kuk-kuk-curves and circles. _El_. No; I will keep it for a pattern and a sweet reminiscence. Now I will go and put on my Louis Quatorze hat, and be back in a moment, if you will go and call a hansom. [_Exit_ Elaine. [Adolphus _bursts into a fit of uncontrollable laughter_. [_Exit laughing_. SCENE V.--The Zoological Gardens. _El_. How sweet are these sights and sounds when hallowed by the consciousness of a beloved presence! How one glows with affection towards every object in nature! Adolphus, dear, don't you feel, with me, that our hearts warm towards the hippopotamus? _Ad_. Mine is positively beating with the violence of my affection for him. If he was not so wet and bib-bib-big, I could throw my arms round him. Dear hippop-pop-pop-pop-otamoms! _El_. Oh, look! there is that gentleman who got into the train with you on the blessed day that we first met. Mr Flamm, I think Mr Gresham said his name was. _Enter_ Flamm. _Flamm_. Ah, Plumper, how are you, old man? I was looking for you everywhere. Why, what have you done with Mrs Plumper and the children? _Ad_. My mother and her little grandchildren, you mean. I was not aware that they were to come here to-day. _Fl_. Your mother! and grandchildren! Why, what the dev--- Oh, ah, ahem! [_Aside_.] I see--mum's the word. Oh fie! sly dog! Naughty, naughty!--but so nice! [_Whispers_.] You are quite safe with me. [_Aloud_.] Yes, dear old lady--she's getting too old to walk much now. [_Aside_.] I only hope we shan't meet the young one. A jolly row there'll be! _El_. I hope soon to have the pleasure of being introduced to Mr Plumper's mother. I am sure I shall like her. _Fl_. Oh, I am sure you will; she is the dearest, most delightful old lady! [_Aside_.] At least I hope she is by this time, for she was a horrid old cat up to the day of her death, ten years ago. By Jove! here come Mrs Plumper and the young uns. Now for it! _Enter_ Mrs Plumper.