Abel : What’s the matter with little Vicky?
(He sees Ben and Mrs. Jordan) Hello! What brings you here? How’s
yourself, Ben?
(Abel thrusts his hand at Ben who skips back smartly and retreats with
Mrs. Jordan to a safe distance below the sofa.)
Mrs. Slater : (approaching Abel gingerly)Father, is that you? (She pokes him with her
hand to see if he is solid.)
Abel : Of course it’s me. Don’t do that, Amelia. What the devil do you mean by
this tomfoolery?
Mrs. Jordan : You took us by surprise, father. Are you keeping quite well?
Abel : (trying to catch the words)
Eh? What?
Mrs. Jordan : Are you quite well?
Abel : Aye, I’m right enough but
for a bit of a headache.
(Looking at Amelia) Amelia,
what the dickens did I do
with my new slippers?
Mrs. Slater : (confused)Aren’t they by
the hearth, father?
Abel : I don’t see them.
(Observing Henry trying
to remove the slippers)
Why, you’ve got ‘em on,
Henry
