Collected Works (Vol. III)

74 A DRAMATIC VERSION OF DENys trregular intervals, whtle DENYS clears his Sir! pray let 2k I knov | throat repeatedly. This continues long, not pray jet me speak. VY YOU Denys fidgeting more and more. DENYS, ALAIN politely :| The wind has gone down some- ° what. We know you. [ALAIN falls into a fit of silent D laughter. DENYS rtses and puts ENYS. [Lronicadly.| I am too honoured. ALAIN. Well? DENYs. You speak of a lady tome. You mistake me ALAIN. [I hope so. DENYS. Do not entrust a stranger with your family secrets, is my advice—as a man of the world. ALAIN. But my nephew !— DENYS. I do not even know your lordship’s honourable nephew. ALAIN. I may yet show you a sneaking rascal in his person. DENYs. This really cannot go on. I must beg you, sir, to allow me to go from your house. I came here by an ill chance enough—though it saved my life in sooth. ALAIN. And secured you a splendid marriage. DENYS. [sede.] Never, never again will I mix my drinks. [ALAIN szrveys DENYS from head to foot, emitting satisfied chuckles at on his hat with a flourish, DENys. Sir, if you are in your wits, I find you insolent: if not, I will not stand here parleying with a madman. ALAIN. I must apologise, no doubt, but the cir- cumstances are peculiar. Is it your custom to steal into the houses of gentlemen after midnight, and accuse the owners of lunacy? [Chuckles.} Well—let us be polite if we cannot be friendly. DENYS. Then, sir, you will permit me to explain my intrusion. ALAIN. [Laughing.] Ha! Ha! a fine story, I wager. ’Twill interest me much, ?’ faith. (DENYS shows signs of tmpatience ; ALAIN begins to look a tattle doubtful. With sudden interest :] Well, how dd you come here? DENYS, [With much quaint lively gesture-—hts story-telling powers are much in request by his mess, and he ts very proud of them.) Aye, sir! by ’r Lady, when I think of it, tis a curious adventure enough. [Pause to collect thoughts. Then dashes off lively:] Lost my way in this cursed town—night like hell’s mouth—groped about your dirty little black narrow streets—no lantern—quarrelled with an officer—I draw—captain bolts—up run guard—see open door—your door, sir !— in I go! and then all of a sudden bangs to the door and I am caught like a rat in a