Oh, I brought my brother Jimmie to see you.
BASIL.
[_Shaking hands._] How d"you do?
JAMES.
Nicely, thanks. Pleased to make your acquaintance.
JENNY.
[_Looking at_ JOHN _and suddenly recognising him._]
Well, I never! If that isn"t old John Halliwell. I didn"t expect to see you. This is a treat.
JOHN.
How d"you do?
JENNY.
What are you doing here?
JOHN.
I"ve been having a cup of tea with Basil.
JENNY.
[_Looking at the tea-things._] D"you always drink out of three cups at once?
JOHN.
My wife has been here--and her sister.
JENNY.
Oh, I see. Fancy your being married. How d"you like it?
JOHN.
All right, thanks.
[BASIL _pours out a cup of tea, and during the following speeches gives_ JENNY _milk and sugar and cake._
JAMES.
People say it wants a bit of gettin" used to.
JOHN.
Mr. Bush, you"re a philosopher.
JAMES.
Well, I will say this for myself, you"d want to get up early in the morning to catch me nappin". I didn"t catch your name.
JOHN.
Halliwell.
JAMES.
"Alliwell?
JOHN.
[_Emphasising the H._] Halliwell.
JAMES.
That"s what I say--"Alliwell. I knew a fellow in the meat trade called "Alliwell. Any relation?
JOHN.
I don"t think so.
JAMES.
Fine business "e "ad too. There"s a rare lot of money to be made out of meat.
JOHN.
I dare say.
Jenny.
[_To_ JOHN.] It _is_ a long time since I"ve seen you. I suppose you"ve quietened down now you"re a married man. You were a hot "un when you was a bachelor.
JAMES.
[_Facetiously._] Don"t make "im blush, Jenny. Accidents will "appen in the best regulated families. And boys will be boys, as they say in the Bible.
JOHN.
I think I must be off, Basil.
JAMES.