_Flamm_. Ah, Plumper, how are you, old man? I was looking for you
everywhere. Why, what have you done with Mrs Plumper and the children?

_Ad_. My mother and her little grandchildren, you mean. I was not aware
that they were to come here to-day.

_Fl_. Your mother! and grandchildren! Why, what the dev--- Oh, ah,
ahem! [_Aside_.] I see--mum's the word. Oh fie! sly dog! Naughty,
naughty!--but so nice! [_Whispers_.] You are quite safe with me.
[_Aloud_.] Yes, dear old lady--she's getting too old to walk much now.
[_Aside_.] I only hope we shan't meet the young one. A jolly row
there'll be!

_El_. I hope soon to have the pleasure of being introduced to Mr
Plumper's mother. I am sure I shall like her.

_Fl_. Oh, I am sure you will; she is the dearest, most delightful old
lady! [_Aside_.] At least I hope she is by this time, for she was a
horrid old cat up to the day of her death, ten years ago. By Jove! here
come Mrs Plumper and the young uns. Now for it!

_Enter_ Mrs Plumper.

_Mrs Plumper_. Why, Adolphus, where have you been? Excuse me, madam; I
did not see that you were upon my husband's arm. Perhaps he'll have the
goodness to present his wife to you.

_El_. His wife! her husband! [_Screams--faints_.]

_Mrs P_. Yes, madam. You may well scream, "His wife! her husband!" and