(_ADAPTED FROM THE FRENCH._)
SCENE--_A Street. Enter BROWN and JONES. They meet, and
regard one another for a moment, fixedly. Then they salute one
another respectfully._
_Brown._ I have been looking for you everywhere.
_Jones._ Then I am delighted to have met you.
_Brown._ I have said of you that you are a trickster, a scoundrel, a
fool, and an idiot!
_Jones._ Yes--and I have regretted the saying, because it shows to me
that you have misunderstood the great literary movement of the present
day, in its vast and varied effort.
_Brown._ Of that I know nothing, for I confess I have never read your
books.
_Jones_ (_reproachfully_). Yes--and yet you accuse me of being a
trickster, a scoundrel, and a fool, without knowing my works?
_Brown._ It was my duty. But still I had no wish to be guilty of an
outrage.
_Jones._ An outrage--how an outrage?
_Brown._ Had I known you had been present to hear me I would not have
caused you the pain of listening to me.
_Jones_ (_with admiration_). But it was the act of a brave man! Did
it not occur to you that had I been within reach of you that you too
would have suffered pain?
_Brown._ It did not, I was unconscious of your presence. I would
have preferred to have spoken behind your back. It is brutal to speak
before any face. It might lead to an unpleasantness.
_Jones._ No, it is your duty to do what you think is right. It is also
my duty to do what I think is right. We are now face to face. Have you
anything further to say to me?
_Brown_ (_hurriedly_). You have immense gifts--gifts which are those
of genius.
_Jones._ I thought you would understand me better when we met. My dear
friend, I am delighted at this reconciliation. Give me your hand.
_Brown_ (_clasping palms_). With all the pleasure in the world. But
still I owe you reparation. How can I--
_Jones_ (_interrupting_). Not another word, my dear friend. That is a
matter we can leave in the hands of our Solicitors.
[_Scene closes in upon the suggestion._
* * * * *
[Illustration: A SOLILOQUY.
_Youthful Mercury._ "WHAT'S THIS 'ERE ON THE PLYTE? 'KNOCK AND RING'!
BLOWED IF THEY WON'T BE HARSKING YER TO '_WALK HINSIDE_,' NEXT!!"]
* * * * *