Part 8

MRS. UPJOHN.

ROPER.

MRS. UPJOHN.

Oh, don't say that, Uncle.

ROPER.

I do say it. The disappointment 'ud be more than I could stand. Selfish, designing beggar!

MRS. UPJOHN.

Now, no low abuse.

ROPER.

A fellow who gets on the soft side of Lil before she's out of her teens-- before she's made any position to speak of; and when she has made a position, and he's practically on his uppers, sticks to her like a limpet!

MRS. UPJOHN.

She sticks to 'im, too. It meant a deal to Lil in 'er 'umble days, reck'lect-- receivin' attentions from a gentleman in the army. She doesn't forget that.

ROPER.

MRS. UPJOHN.

She's not ackshally engaged.

ROPER.

Ho, ho!

MRS. UPJOHN.

The ideer was, when 'e shirked goin' to India an' gave up soldierin', so as to be near 'er, that 'e should get something to do in London; then they were to be engaged.

ROPER.

MRS. UPJOHN.

'E 'as to be on the spot at night, to bring Lil 'ome after 'er work.

ROPER.

Exactly! And when a decent, eligible young chap comes along, and means business, he's choked off by finding Nicko Jeyes in possession. [Stopping before MRS. UPJOHN.] But, I say!

MRS. UPJOHN.

Wot?

ROPER.

Farncombe hasn't tumbled to it yet.