The Princess Casamassima. Frank J. Morlock

whereas Rosy—

      Madame

      Yes, and my tongue!

      Paul

      This lady looks after several others in our tenement—and reads to my sister.

      Madame

      It would enrage me! You are too patient, you English.

      Paul

      We need patience. We shall never do anything without that.

      Poupin

      You’re perfectly right about that. You cannot say it too often. It will be a tremendous job. Only the strong will prevail.

      Paul (to Hyacinth)

      Madame says we ought to know each other—

      Hyacinth

      Will you tell me all about your plot?

      Paul (warily)

      It’s not a plot. I don’t care much for plots. It’s just taking a stand on two or three points.

      Poupin

      A stand, that’s what we must make—a stand! (he begins coughing terribly)

      Madame

      Between us, we’ve thrown him into a fever. We’d better go.

      Paul (to Hyacinth as the Poupins prepare to leave with Vetch)

      My mane is Paul—

      Hyacinth

      And what’s your trade?

      Paul

      I work for a firm of wholesale chemists at Lambeth.

      Hyacinth

      And where do you live?

      Paul

      On the far side of London. The south actually.

      Hyacinth

      Are you going home now?

      Paul

      Yes, I’m going to toddle.

      Hyacinth

      And may I toddle with you?

      Paul

      If you like, but you won’t learn about any plots. Still coming?

      Hyacinth

      Yes.

      Paul

      Come along. You can meet my sister,—her name’s Rosy. You’ve never met anyone like her.

      BLACKOUT