ANGELINA (_flushing tenderly_). Oh, EDWIN, _have_ you? How nice, dear! And what is it? _Edwin_ (_eagerly_). Quite providential, I call it. You know, dearest, I've saved three hundred pounds for the express purpose; and here is an advertisement, according to which, for about that sum, we can secure a complete fit-out for our little villa, which, I think, will exactly suit us. Quite an exceptional chance, as the advertiser says. A gentleman, lately arrived in this country from India, is unexpectedly compelled to return immediately. Consequently he is obliged to dispose _at once_ of his lately-purchased house of furniture, _at a great sacrifice_. It is as good as new, in fact, has hardly been used at all; is elegant and substantial, and can be seen any day at Vamp Villa, Barnsbury, upon presentation of visiting-card. Suppose, dearest ANGY, we run over to-morrow afternoon, and have a look at it? Such a chance--in the very nick of time, too--may never occur again! _Angelina_. Oh, EDWIN, _how_ fortunate! Should it suit us, what a lot of trouble it will save! _Edwin_. And money, too, darling, for the prices seem to be _very_ low. I'm so glad you agree, dear. _Angelina_ (_with effusion_). Of _course_ I do, EDWIN. And (_with tender glance at one of the oil pictures_) how delighted dear Mamma will be! [_Osculation, appointment, and exit_. SCENE II.--_Mysterious-looking Villa at Barnsbury, permeated by strong smell of French-polish and fusty straw. Large "House to Let" boards and posters prominently disposed. Present._ EDWIN _and_ ANGELINA, _and a blandly loquacious person, in black broadcloth, with a big foolscap-paper Inventory, and a blunt-pointed pencil._ _Loquacious Person_ (_fluently_). Why you see, Madam, Mr. PAWNEE LIVERLESS 'ad to leave for Bombay early yesterday mornin', and was therefore obliged to leave the sale of his furniture in our hands. But he is an old client of ours, Mr. LIVERLESS is, and he has given us _carte blanche_ as regards the disposition of his effects. Only they _must_ be sold at once. A retired Colonel at Notting Hill, who seemed _very_ sweet on the bargain, promised me a decided answer by twelve o'clock to-day. It has not come, and I am free to negotiate with the next comer for the furniture as it stands, provided an immediate settlement can be arrived at. _Wait_ I cannot, but in any other pertikler I shall be only _too_ 'appy to meet your views. _Edwin_. I see the furniture is quite new?