_Mrs. Mossop._
[_Bringing the flowers to the table and arranging them, while Ablett
sets out the knives and forks._] But no. "No fuss," said the Gower
family, "no publicity. Withdraw quietly--" that was the Gower family's
injunctions--"withdraw quietly, and have done with it."
_Ablett._
And when is the weddin' to be, ma'am?
_Mrs. Mossop._
It's not yet decided, Mr. Ablett. In point of fact, before the Gower
family positively say Yes to the union, Miss Trelawny is to make her
home in Cavendish Square for a short term--"short term" is the Gower
family's own expression--in order to habituate herself to the West End.
They're sending their carriage for her at two o'clock this afternoon,
Mr. Ablett--their carriage and pair of bay horses.
_Ablett._
Well, I dessay a West End life has sooperior advantages over the
Profession in some respecks, Mrs. Mossop.
_Mrs. Mossop._
When accompanied by wealth, Mr. Ablett. Here's Miss Trelawny but
nineteen, and in a month-or-two's time she'll be ordering about her own
powdered footman, and playing on her grand piano. How many actresses do
that, I should like to know!
[_Tom Wrench's voice is heard._]
_Tom._
[_Outside the door._] Rebecca! Rebecca, my loved one!
_Mrs. Mossop._
Oh, go along with you, Mr. Wrench!
[_Tom enters, with a pair of scissors in his hand. He is a
shabbily-dressed ungraceful man of about thirty, with a clean-shaven
face, curly hair, and eyes full of good-humor._]
_Tom._
My own, especial Rebecca!
_Mrs. Mossop._
Don't be a fool, Mr. Wrench! Now, I've no time to waste. I know you want
something--
_Tom._
Everything, adorable. But most desperately do I stand in need of a
little skillful trimming at your fair hands.
_Mrs. Mossop._
[_Taking the scissors from him and clipping the frayed edges of his
shirt-cuffs and collar._] First it's patching a coat, and then it's
binding an Inverness! Sometimes I wish that top room of mine was empty.
_Tom._
And sometimes I wish my heart was empty, cruel Rebecca.
_Mrs. Mossop._
[_Giving him a thump._] Now, I really will tell Mossop of you, when he
comes home! I've often threatened it---
_Tom._
[_To Ablett._] Whom do I see! No--it can't be--but yes--I believe I
have the privilege of addressing Mr. Ablett, the eminent greengrocer, of
Rosoman Street?
_Ablett._
[_Sulkily._] Well, Mr. Wrench, and wot of it?
_Tom._
You possess a cart, good Ablett, which may be hired by persons of
character and responsibility. "By the hour or job"--so runs the legend.
I will charter it, one of these Sundays, for a drive to Epping.
_Ablett._