Scene VI
Austin, Menteith
Austin. Menteith, I am going to be married.
Menteith. Well, Mr. George, but I am pleased to hear it. Miss Musgrave is a most elegant lady.
Austin. Ay, Mr. Menteith? and who told you the lady’s name?
Menteith. Mr. George, you was always a gentleman.
Austin. You mean I wasn’t always? Old boy, you are in the right. This shall be a good change for both you and me. We have lived too long like a brace of truants: now is the time to draw about the fire. How much is left of the old Hermitage?
Menteith. Hard upon thirty dozen, Mr. George, and not a bad cork in the bin.
Austin. And a mistress, Menteith, that’s worthy of that wine.
Menteith. Mr. George, sir, she’s worthy of you.
Austin. Gad, I believe it. (Shakes hands with him.)
Menteith (breaking down). Mr. George, you’ve been a damned good master to me, and I’ve been a damned good servant to you; we’ve been proud of each other from the first; but if you’ll excuse my plainness, Mr. George, I never liked you better than to-day.
Austin. Cheer up, old boy, the best is yet to come. Get out the tongs, and curl me like a bridegroom. (Sits before dressing-glass; Menteith produces curling irons and plies them. Austin sings)—
‘I’d crowns resign
To call her mine,
Sweet Lass of Richmond Hill!’
Drop