PAWKINS. Before we go any further I should like to settle one pint: I've picked up this here gimcrack thing on the staircase. (_producing bracelet from his coat pocket_) AGATHA. (_R., catches it from his hand_) My aunt's bracelet! My dear sir, a thousand--thousand thanks! _Exit AGATHA, C._ PAWKINS. A thousand, thousand thanks!--my dear sir, too! Uncommon pretty behaved young person!--a child will take a deal of whipping afore it gets up to that pint of good manners. A shilling slipped in one's hand would have given a finishing touch to the compliment; but one can't have it all one's own way; then her pretty smile were worth more nor a shilling a precious sight. Ah, bless her heart! she'd ha' know'd fast enough that the man who picks up bracelets, and gives them to the right owner, ain't exactly the sort of article as prigs watches. _Re-enter DE WINDSOR, C., and down, L._ DE W. (L.) Really a charming scene! most exhilarating! (_sees PAWKINS, R._) Eh! why, he's here at last! Pawkins, the persecuted! (_shakes his hand violently_) My dear sir, I'm delighted to see you. PAWKINS. (_wringing his hand_) Thank you; but draw it a little mild. DE W. (L.) Mr. Pawkins, you are one of the men I like. PAWKINS. Same to you, sir. You are Mr. De--de--fancy soap line, sir? DE W. De Windsor. PAWKINS. Well then, sir, two minutes ago I told the young 'oman she was a credit to you, and now I don't mind telling you you're a credit to the young 'oman. DE W. (_aside_) Somewhat coarse; but frank and genial. PAWKINS. You've sent me a sort o' note, sir, as the saying is, asking me to come here; but it strikes me there's some mistake. DE W. Not in the least, Mr. Pawkins, not in the least. Take a seat. PAWKINS. (_sits, R. after putting down umbrella, R._) That's all right then. At all events I've brought the tongs in my pocket. DE W. The tongs?--rather a singular proceeding!--and the shovel? PAWKINS. No; get out with you--I mean the curling irons. DE W. (_coldly_) I--I begin to comprehend; Mr. Pawkins, you are a hair-dresser. PAWKINS. No; that's where you put your foot in it. I ain't a regular hair-dresser for a nobby concern like this. I cuts a little in the common way, but I am chiefly in the easy shaving line. DE W. I understand, you keep a hair-cutting saloon frequented by gentlemen only. PAWKINS. I calls it a shop, sir, but if you calls it a s'loon it's werry kind on you, and I'm much obliged, and if you calls my customers gen'leman, they ought to be werry much obliged to you too. DE W. (_aside_) Ha! I wish he had been a little higher in the social scale--but no matter. His wrongs have been extraordinary, society owes him an extraordinary reparation. Mr. Pawkins, I trust Mrs. Pawkins and the children are quite well? PAWKINS. Mrs. Pawkins and the children--ha, ha, ha! Them's as well as can be expected. DE W. I see--a recent increase to the family. PAWKINS. Recent gammon! Why there ain't no Mrs. Pawkins--there ain't even a young un.