Mur I'll do my best, sir. But, oh! do tell them to keep liquor
out of my way. I can't keep from it now, try as I will,
and I try hard enough, God help me!

Coyle Pshaw! Get out those mortgages and the letters from my London agent.
[Murcott takes papers from bag and places then on table.
Coyle looks off, R. 1 E.] So; here comes Sir Edward.
Go, but be within call. I may want you to witness a signature.

Mur I will sir. [Aside.] I must have brandy, or my hand
will not be steady enough to write. [Exit, L. 1 E.]


Enter Sir Edward, R. 1 E. Coyle bows.


Sir E Good morning, Coyle, good morning. [With affected ease.]
There is a chair, Coyle. [They sit.] So you see those
infernal tradespeople are pretty troublesome.

Coyle My agent's letter this morning announces that Walter and Brass
have got judgement and execution on their amount for repairing
your town house last season. [Refers to papers.] Boquet and Barker
announce their intention of taking this same course with the wine account.
Handmarth is preparing for a settlement of his heavy demand for the stables.
Then there is Temper for pictures and other things and Miss Florence
Trenchard's account with Madame Pompon, and--

Sir E Confound it, why harass me with details, these infernal particulars?