[_The Hall-Keeper reappears, showing the way to Sir William Gower. Sir
William's hat is drawn down over his eyes, and the rest of his face is
almost entirely concealed by his plaid. The Hall-Keeper withdraws._]
_Tom._
[_Receiving Sir William._] How d'ye do, Sir William?
_Sir William._
[_Giving him two fingers--with a grunt._] Ugh!
_Tom._
These are odd surroundings for you to find yourself in--- [_Imogen comes
forward._] Miss Parrott----
_Sir William._
[_Advancing to her, giving her two fingers._] Good-morning, ma'am.
_Imogen._
This is perfectly delightful.
_Sir William._
What is?
_Imogen._
[_Faintly._] Your visit.
_Sir William._
Ugh! [_Weakly._] Give me a cheer. [_Looking about him._] Have ye no
cheers here?
_Tom._
Yes.
[_Tom places the throne-chair behind Sir William, who sinks into it._]
_Sir William._
Thank ye; much obleeged. [_To Imogen._] Sit. [_Imogen hurriedly fetches
the stool and seats herself beside the throne-chair. Sir William
produces his snuff-box._] You are astonished at seeing me here, I dare
say?
_Tom._
Not at all.
_Sir William._
[_Glancing at Tom._] Addressing the lady. [_To Imogen._] You are
surprised to see me?
_Imogen._
Very.
_Sir William._
[_To Tom._] Ah! [_Tom retreats, getting behind Sir William's chair
and looking down upon him._] The truth is, I am beginning to regret my
association with ye.
_Imogen._
[_Her hand to her heart._] Oh--h--h--h!
_Tom._
[_Under his breath._] Oh! [_Holding his fist over Sir William's head._]
Oh--h--h--h!
_Imogen._
[_Piteously_]. You--you don't propose to withdraw your capital, Sir
William?
_Sir William._