What are you going to do?
REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
I am going to dissemble. I am going to be an Eastern potentate, and I
am going to spoof the old boy. (_To_ SARAH ANN.) Menial, slope! (_To_
CHARLES SYLVESTER.) Help me.
ROSALINE.
This is the rummiest studio that ever I was in!
REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
Yes, originality is what we pride ourselves on. (_He disguises himself
as the Maharajah of Slamthedoor_.)
CHARLES SYLVESTER.
And what am _I_ to do?
REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
You must be very deferential. I think you had better salaam when you
speak to me. Try it.
CHARLES SYLVESTER.
Like this? (_Salaams_.)
REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
That's it, only more so. And mind, if he wants to see Susannah, you
don't let him look at it. It's only just begun. How do I look?
ROSALINE.
You look like a Guy Fawkes.
REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
Dear child! how pretty she talks! Where did you originally find such a
treasure?
(_Enter_ HENRICH SCHERCL _L_.)
HENRICH SCHERCL.
Ah, Mr. Sylvester, how do you do? Where is Mr. Tempenny? I hoped to see
him.
CHARLES SYLVESTER.
He has been compelled to go out on most important business.
HENRICH SCHERCL.
The business of you gentlemen is always "most important" excepting when
it concerns them that find you the wherewithal. (_Aside_.) What a nice
girl!
(ROSALINE _smiles at him_.)
CHARLES SILVESTER.
I don't think, my dear Schercl, that you have much cause to complain.
You don't lose by us; now confess!
HENRICH SCHERCL.
My dear sir, if I lost by you how do you think I should garry on my
business? One must live. But you artists don't give us much chance. You
are always bleeding us for what you call "a bit on aggount."
REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (_coming down_).
Your conversation is very interesting, but I wish to see Mr. Tempenny.
He is not here, and if he is not coming I shall go. Allah Bismillah
Remdazzlegefoo!
HENRICH SCHERCL.
(_Aside to_ CHARLES SYLVESTER.) What does he say?
CHARLES SYLVESTER.
(_Aside to_ HENRICH SCHERCL.) He's swearing because Tempenny is out.
REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.
I wanted to buy some of his great works. The Maharajah of Battledore
told me that he was one of your most favourite painters.
ROSALINE (_aside_).
Good old Rembrandt Tempenny. What larks!
HENRICH SCHERCL.
(_Aside to_ CHARLES SYLVESTER.) Let _me_ deal with this sportsman.
CHARLES SYLVESTER.
(_Aside to_ HENRICH SCHERCL.) Bosh, why should you?
HENRICH SCHERCL.
Do you want to sell your "Battle of Agincourt?"
CHARLES SYLVESTER.
Of course I do.
HENRICH SCHERCL.
How much?
CHARLES SYLVESTER.
Two hundred--you know that!
HENRICH SCHERCL.
A hundred ready?
CHARLES SYLVESTER.
Yes.
HENRICH SCHERCL.
You will have a jeque to-night.
CHARLES SYLVESTER.
On your word?
HENRICH SCHERCL.
On my word.
CHARLES SYLVESTER.
An open one?
HENRICH SCHERCL.
Yes, my dear young friend. Now oblige me by skipping.
CHARLES SYLVESTER.
Right you are. Allow me to introduce to your Highness, Mr. Schercl--Mr.
Schercl, the Maharajah of Slamthedoor.
(_Exit R_.)
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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