JOHN.--Take off your hat, sir, when you speak to a lady. [Takes up a
poker.] And now come on, both of you, cowards! [Rushes at BULKELEY and
knocks his hat off his head.]

BULKELEY [stepping back].--If you'll put down that there poker, you
know, then I'll pitch into you fast enough. But that there poker ain't
fair, you know.

K.--You villain! of course you will leave this house. And, Miss Prior, I
think you understand that you will go too. I don't think my niece wants
to learn DANCIN', you understand. Good-by. Here, Bulkeley! [Gets behind
footman and exit.]

MISS P.--Do you know the meaning of that threat, Mr. Howell?

JOHN.--Yes, Miss Prior.

MISS P.--I was a dancer once, for three months, four years ago, when my
poor father was in prison.

JOHN.--Yes, Miss Prior, I knew it. And I saw you a many times.

MISS P.--And you kept my secret?

JOHN.--Yes, Ju--Jul--Miss Prior.

MISS P.--Thank you, and God bless you, John Howell. There, there. You
mustn't! indeed you mustn't!

JOHN.--You don't remember the printer's boy who used to come to Mr.