low. I'm so glad you agree, dear.

_Angelina_ (_with effusion_). Of _course_ I do, EDWIN. And (_with
tender glance at one of the oil pictures_) how delighted dear Mamma
will be! [_Osculation, appointment, and exit_.

SCENE II.--_Mysterious-looking Villa at Barnsbury, permeated
by strong smell of French-polish and fusty straw. Large "House
to Let" boards and posters prominently disposed. Present._
EDWIN _and_ ANGELINA, _and a blandly loquacious person, in
black broadcloth, with a big foolscap-paper Inventory, and a
blunt-pointed pencil._

_Loquacious Person_ (_fluently_). Why you see, Madam, Mr. PAWNEE
LIVERLESS 'ad to leave for Bombay early yesterday mornin', and was
therefore obliged to leave the sale of his furniture in our hands.
But he is an old client of ours, Mr. LIVERLESS is, and he has given us
_carte blanche_ as regards the disposition of his effects. Only they
_must_ be sold at once. A retired Colonel at Notting Hill, who seemed
_very_ sweet on the bargain, promised me a decided answer by twelve
o'clock to-day. It has not come, and I am free to negotiate with
the next comer for the furniture as it stands, provided an immediate
settlement can be arrived at. _Wait_ I cannot, but in any other
pertikler I shall be only _too_ 'appy to meet your views.

_Edwin_. I see the furniture is quite new?

_L.P._ (_with cheery candour_). Well, no Sir, not quite. Oh, I'll not
deceive you! It has been in use a few months, and, as you see, is none
the worse for _that_. Better, if anything, being fully tested as to