NURSE [_to_ OLD WOMAN]. Did you ever hear the like of it? WAITER. Here goes again! [_Goes as before to door, and throws it open._] Lord Ballarat! BRUM. [_advancing as before, and receiving imaginary visitor_]. My good fellow, I'm sorry I missed you at the club the other night; but I went into the duchess's box, and---- WAITER. I must stop this. The duchess always comes last, and then he's satisfied. [_Throwing open the door, and calling pompously._] Her Highness the Duchess of Canterbury. BRUM. [_totters to door, bowing very profoundly, and handing the imaginary duchess to his armchair--leans over the chair, and bows frequently as he talks_]. Your highness is too good! This is indeed an honor. Permit me the satisfaction of handing you to your seat. And is the duke well? And little Nutmeg--is his ear better? Poor little fellow! I hope you will allow me to give him a charming little collar I have for him. WAITER. There, that'll do! [_To_ BRUMMELL.] Come, now, they're all gone--take your coat off. BRUM. [_starting, and falling into chair_]. Yes, gone--gone--true--they're gone! [WAITER _helps him to take his coat off._] Give me my cap! [NURSE _puts his old velvet cap on._] WAITER. [_going_]. Call me up again, nurse, if he won't mind you. Do you hear what I say, Mr. Brummell? BRUM. Yes--yes--I'll be very good, nurse--I'll be very good. WAITER. Well, it will be a lucky day when we get rid of this business! [_Exit._ OLD W. But think of the poor creature turned into the streets! He'd die upon the nighest door-step! NURSE. Can't be helped--out he goes to-night and no mistake! I'll nuss him no longer--and the landlord wants the room. The men are comin' to whitewash it at sunrise to-morrow. OLD W. Deary me! Well--good-day! NURSE. Good-day, child. You'll find me at home to-morrow. Good-bye! [_Exit_ OLD WOMAN. BRUM. [_tottering to an old bureau, sits before it_]. Dinner at four. Nurse, nurse! my glass and razors--come! NURSE. Drat the old man! [_Gives him glass, etc._] _Enter_ LANDLORD, _followed by_ WAITER Now he's completely done up! BRUM. [_politely to_ LANDLORD]. Good morning, monsieur, delighted to see---- LANDLORD. Hang your compliments--I want no more of them. BRUM. My good sir, you surprise me! LAND. [_to_ WAITER]. Get his rubbish together--for out he goes, and no mistake. [_To_ BRUMMELL.] Now, Mr. Brummell, can you pay me--or can't you--or won't you? BRUM. Dear, dear me! We'll talk about it. LAND. No, we won't. I'll have it--or out you bundle this minute. BRUM. [_rising_]. Sir, I am a gentleman--a poor one, it is true; and this hand, fleshless as it is--is strong enough to chastise a man who forgets it! [BRUMMELL _falls back in chair exhausted._] LAND. [_to_ WAITER]. Now for it--out with him! [LANDLORD _and_ WAITER _rush forward, and are about to seize_ BRUMMELL.] _Enter_ FOTHERBY FOTHER. [_pushing back_ LANDLORD _and_ WAITER]. Put your hands on the old man at your peril.