_Lady B._ (_in a hoarse whisper_). You--you have left the parcels ... all--_all_? Tell me--how were they received? Speak low--I would not that yonder child should awake and hear!
_Little Elfie_ (_behind the screen, very wide awake indeed_). Dear, good old Grannie--she would conceal her generosity--even from _me_! (_Loudly._) She little thinks that I am overhearing all!
_Monks._ I could have sworn I heard whispering.
_Lady B._ Nay, you are mistaken--'twas but the wind in the old wainscot. (_Aside._) He is quite capable of destroying that innocent child; but, old and attached servant as he is, there are liberties I still know how to forbid. (_To_ M.) Your story--quick!
_Monks._ First, I delivered the cigars to Sir VEVEY LONG, whom I found under his verandah. He seemed surprised and gratified by the gift, selected a weed, and was proceeding to light it, whilst he showed a desire to converse familiarly with me. 'Astily excusing myself, I drove away, when----
_Lady B._ When _what_? Do not torture a wretched old woman!
_Monks._ When I heard a loud report behind me, and, in the portion of a brace, two waistcoat-buttons, and half a slipper, which hurtled past my ears, I recognised all that was mortal of the late Sir VEVEY. You mixed them cigars uncommon strong, m'Lady.
_Elfie_ (_aside_). Can it be? But no, no. I will _not_ believe it. I am sure that dear Granny meant no harm!
_Lady B._ (_with a grim pride she cannot wholly repress_). I have devoted some study to the subject of explosives. 'Tis another triumph to the Anti-tobacconists. And what of Lady VIOLET POWDRAY--did she apply the salve?
_Monks._ Judging from the 'eartrending 'owls which proceeded from Carmine Cottage, the salve was producing the desired result. Her Ladyship, 'owever, terminated her sufferings somewhat prematoor by jumping out of a top winder just as I was taking my departure----
_Lady B._ She should have died hereafter--but no matter ... and the Upas-tree?
_Monks._ Was presented to the PERGAMENTS, who unpacked it, and loaded its branches with toys and tapers; after which Mr. PERGAMENTS, Mrs. P., and all the little PERGAMENTS joined 'ands, and danced round it in light 'arted glee. (_In a sombre tone._) They little knoo as how it was their dance of death!