JENNY. She'll be sorry, sir, I know, When she hears she's missed you so. Can't you tell me, sir, your business, ere you leave me?
JIMMY B. Well, the fact is, I'm her cousin!
[JENNY _looks surprised._] Oh, she'd know me in a dozen. I'm her cousin, come to see her, from Nevada.
JENNY. [_Suspiciously._] In those clothes?—Oh, sir,—I fear—!
JIMMY B. Oh, a railroad smash-up, dear, Mussed me up a little—never was jogged harder!
JIMMY B. Not the least. It's only dirt; But I always am so neat, I quite despair; And my wardrobe all is down At the Clarendon, in town, Where I'm stopping: I am Algernon St. Clair.
JENNY. My, though! What a pretty name! Well, it really is a shame You should have to go to town in such a plight. There now, wouldn't Papa's do? Oh, please look the papers through, And I'll run upstairs, and soon fix you all right.
JIMMY B. No, don't fret yourself, my dear; I prefer to have you here, Though perhaps I may accept your offer later. Is your Pa as big as me?
JENNY. [_Surprised._] Don't you know him?
JIMMY B. Well, you see, I've been West so long I've kind of lost my data.
JENNY. Then I'll go and bring you up a little luncheon.
JIMMY B. [_Carelessly._] Have you silver, dear—or plate?
JIMMY B. Fust rate! Bring it up, and let me see it while I'm munchin'.
JENNY. [_Surprised._] Bring up all the silver, sir?
JIMMY B. Why, that's what I come here fur, Just to make your dearest Ma a little present,— Silver service lined with gold,— And if hers's a trifle old I'll have it all fixed over.
JENNY. [_Delighted._] Oh, how pleasant! I will get it right away. My! I'm glad you came to-day, It will be, oh, such a nice surprise to Mama.
JIMMY B. [_Looking after her and rubbing his hands._] Good for you! What a blessed little chick you are, my charmer! Just the cream of tender things; You're in luck, old Jimmy Bings— Oh, hexcuse me, Mr. Algernon St. Clair!— Just you turn an honest penny. Now, let's see if there are any Of these things worth my packing up with care.
[_Takes the table-cloth off the table and begins filling it with ornaments, knickknacks, and valuables, looking at each article sharply. Suddenly he stops, both hands full, as if struck by a brilliant idea._]
Jimmy Bings! Why, that is grand,— Here's a fortune right at hand! For contriving little schemes you are the boss. Scoop in all the things you can, And then, like a prudent man, Take the little girl off too—like Charley Ross!