Now, then--we'll creep downstairs quietly so as not to bring Wyke from his pantry. [_Giving MR. POSKET paper._] You stick that up prominently, while I blow out the candles.
[_CIS blows out the candles on the piano._
[_Reading._] "Your master and Mr. Cecil Farringdon are going to bed. Don't disturb them." I will not be a partner to any written document. This is untrue.
No, it isn't--we are going to bed when we come home. Make haste, Guv.
[_Turning down the lamp, and watching MR. POSKET._] Hallo, Guv! hallo! You're an old hand at this sort of game, are you?
[_Taking MR. POSKET'S arm._] Now, then, don't breathe.
[_Quite demoralised._] Cis! Cis! Wait a minute--wait a minute!
Hold up, Guv. [_WYKE enters._] Oh, bother!
[_Struggling to be articulate._] No--yes--that is--partially--half round the Square, and possibly--er--um--back again. [_To CIS._] Oh, you bad boy!
[_Coolly going up to the paper on curtains._] Shall I take this down now, sir?
[_Quietly to CIS._] I'm in an awful position! What am I to do?
[_CIS takes two coins out of MR. POSKET'S pocket and gives them to him without looking at them._
And say--"Wyke, you want a new umbrella--buy a very good one. Your mistress has a latch-key, so go to bed."
[_Giving him money._] Go to bed--buy a very good one. Your mistress has a latch-key--so--so you want a new umbrella!
All right, sir. You can depend on me. Are you well muffled up, sir? Mind you take care of him, Master Cis.
[_Supporting MR. POSKET; MR. POSKET groaning softly._] Capital, Guv, capital. Are you hungry?
Hungry! You're a wicked boy. I've told a falsehood.
No, you haven't, Guv--he really does want a new umbrella.
[_Looking at money_] Here! What, twopence! [_Throws the coins down in disgust._] I'll tell the missus.
_The scene is a supper-room at the Hotel des Princes, Meek Street, with two doors--the one leading into an adjoining room, the other into a passage--and a window opening on to a balcony._
_ISIDORE, a French waiter, is showing in CIS and MR. POSKET._
Come on, Guv--come on. How are you, Isidore?
I beg your pardon--I am quite well, and so are you, zank you.
I want a pretty little light supper for myself and my friend, Mr. Skinner.
[_To CIS._] Skinner! Is some one else coming?