_Brown._ I have been looking for you everywhere. _Jones._ Then I am delighted to have met you. _Brown._ I have said of you that you are a trickster, a scoundrel, a fool, and an idiot! _Jones._ Yes--and I have regretted the saying, because it shows to me that you have misunderstood the great literary movement of the present day, in its vast and varied effort. _Brown._ Of that I know nothing, for I confess I have never read your books. _Jones_ (_reproachfully_). Yes--and yet you accuse me of being a trickster, a scoundrel, and a fool, without knowing my works? _Brown._ It was my duty. But still I had no wish to be guilty of an outrage. _Jones._ An outrage--how an outrage? _Brown._ Had I known you had been present to hear me I would not have caused you the pain of listening to me. _Jones_ (_with admiration_). But it was the act of a brave man! Did it not occur to you that had I been within reach of you that you too would have suffered pain? _Brown._ It did not, I was unconscious of your presence. I would have preferred to have spoken behind your back. It is brutal to speak before any face. It might lead to an unpleasantness. _Jones._ No, it is your duty to do what you think is right. It is also my duty to do what I think is right. We are now face to face. Have you anything further to say to me? _Brown_ (_hurriedly_). You have immense gifts--gifts which are those of genius. _Jones._ I thought you would understand me better when we met. My dear friend, I am delighted at this reconciliation. Give me your hand. _Brown_ (_clasping palms_). With all the pleasure in the world. But still I owe you reparation. How can I-- _Jones_ (_interrupting_). Not another word, my dear friend. That is a matter we can leave in the hands of our Solicitors. [_Scene closes in upon the suggestion._ * * * * * [Illustration: A SOLILOQUY. _Youthful Mercury._ "WHAT'S THIS 'ERE ON THE PLYTE? 'KNOCK AND RING'! BLOWED IF THEY WON'T BE HARSKING YER TO '_WALK HINSIDE_,' NEXT!!"] * * * * * OUR BOOKING-OFFICE. [Illustration: "Oliver asking for More."]