NURSE. Aye, child--the landlord's goin' to offer to take him for a walk, which'll please him--and then take him off to see if the nuns'll have charity upon him--if not, there's nothing but the street. He wouldn't go if he know'd it--still he hasn't a copper coin--he's as cunning as any fox. Have a little drop of somethin' comfortable, child! OLD W. Deary me!--at this time of day--but I do feel a sinking! NURSE. It'll do you a world of good. [_Getting bottle_--_a knock._] Lawk! what an awkward hour for people to call! [_Knock again._] OLD W. Deary me! Perhaps it's Mr. Brummell. NURSE. Not it! It's more than he dare do, to knock twice like that. It's his old man-servant, come to take off that there dirty screen. [_Opens door._] _Enter_ BRUMMELL--_muddy_--_supported by_ ISIDORE BRUM. Isidore, give me my dressing gown! ISID. Dressing gown! that's good--why I never put my own on nowadays! BRUM. [_talking to himself_]. That screen mustn't go--nor the duchess's armchair. [_Turning to_ NURSE.] Mind that, nurse, whatever happens to me, this chair and the screen remain. Ha! ha! what would Ballarat say, if---- NURSE. There, never mind them folks. Pull your coat off, and put your dressing gown on, do! BRUM. Dear me! I hope the ices will be better--the punch I've seen to! The duchess shall sit here. NURSE [_to_ OLD WOMAN]. That's how he goes on nearly every day. The high folks he knew have turned his head. Sometimes he makes one of the waiters announce a lot of folks, as never come, while he, like an old fool, bows to nobody, and hands nothing to that old chair. OLD W. What work it must give you. NURSE [_to_ BRUMMELL]. There, take that muddy coat off, nobody's coming to-day. BRUM. Leave the room and see that everything is ready. NURSE. Drat it. [_Rings the bell._] I must have the waiter up. He'll soon manage him. BRUM. [_rising, totters forward, and arranges his shabby dress_]. Well, now I'm ready! Hark! I think I hear the first carriage. Sir Harry, no doubt. _Enter_ WAITER NURSE. Just see to this old man--make him change his coat, for I can't. WAITER. Well, this is the last of it. Master says he may sleep in the streets, but he doesn't stay here another night if he knows it. They won't have him at the asylum without money, and he hasn't a rap. NURSE. Nor a stick; for there's little enough left to pay my poor wages. WAITER [_to_ BRUMMELL]. Come, off with the coat! BRUM. My good fellow, leave it me to-night. I've a few friends coming. Hush! there's the first arrival. Pray, my good sir, see to my guests. WAITER. Well, let's humor the old blade once more--he'll be in the streets to-morrow. NURSE [_to_ OLD WOMAN]. Just notice this tomfoolery, child. OLD W. Deary me! it almost frightens me. See how pleased he is. WAITER. Sir Harry Gill! BRUM. [_advancing ceremoniously, and holding out his hand, and coming down, as though talking to somebody at his side_]. My dear Harry, I'm delighted to see you. Were you at the opera last night?