Happy Thought Hall

Chapter 28

BOX.

Besides, if we both came off without our noses, or with only two eyes between us, we should neither be able to marry Penelope Anne.

c.o.x.

True. I have it.

BOX.

So have I.

c.o.x.

The Lady shall decide.

BOX.

Just exactly what I was going to propose.

[_A female voice heard without, singing a jodel._

[* _This is MRS. FRIMMELY. She sings a Tyrolienne by Offenbach, and in French. Every one delighted.

Being encored, she appears at the door, curtseys, retires and sings again, "without."_]

c.o.x.

"Tis she! What superb notes!

BOX.

It"s a rich voice.

c.o.x.

She"s a rich widow.

BOTH.

She comes.

[_PENELOPE ANNE appears C. in ultra Parisian watering-place toilette. They bring her down between them, each taking a hand._

BOTH.

Penelope Anne!

[_Both kneel R. and L.C._

[Ill.u.s.tration: PENELOPE ANNE.]

PENELOPE.

Mr. James c.o.x. Ah! (_starts_).

BOX.

You"ve frightened her. You"re so ugly.

PENELOPE.

Mr. John Box. Oh! (_faints, and falls into a chair placed C._)

c.o.x.

You"ve killed her. You Gorilla.

BOX.

Gorilla--(_they are about to fight, when she screams again_). What shall we do?

c.o.x (_excitedly_).

Cold key--Senna--no, I mean Salts.

BOX (_more excitedly_).

Pooh! Cold water .... with something in it.

c.o.x.

Where"s the sulphur water--throw it--

PENELOPE (_shrieking_).

Ah! (_rising_). How dare you! (_calls_). Husband!

BOX.

She said Husband. Dearest--

[_PENELOPE slaps his face._

c.o.x.

She means _me_. I knew it. Angel--

[_PENELOPE repeats the slap on HIS face._

BOX.

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