The Equinox (Volume I, Number III)

MR. TODD ossory. Thank you, my dear lad. Anything you can do, of course—I will let you know at once. By the way, you haven’t asked her yet, I suppose? DELHOMME. Not yet, sir. I am rather diffident: I do not care to precipitate affairs. ossory. Well, I am really very anxious to see her future assured. And you know our proverb, “The early bird catches the worm.” [Potnts to him, and over his shoulder to her.] There's our scientific friend, eh? DELHOMME. Oh, I’m not afraid of him. A /arceur, no more, though sometimes a pleasant one. ossory. Tu fen f—, ca, mon vieux chameau? Quoi? DELHOMME [very disgusted at ossory’s vulgarity, which mistakes argot for chic]. Well, sir, as soon as I can find a favourable opportunity: ossory. Grief is a good mood to catch them in, my boy. Iknow! I know! I've been a bit of a dog in my time. [Shakes hands as they go out. DELHOMME [vefurning]. One word in your ear, sir, if I may. It’s purely instinctive—but—but—well, sir, I mistrust that man Todd! ossory. Thanks: I believe you may be right. DELHOMME. Good-bye, sir! ossory. Good-bye. mrs. ossory [rising]. Alfred, that man is a devil! ossory. What, little Delhomme? MRS. ossory. Of course not, Alfred. How can you be so silly? Todd! ossory. Why, whatever do you mean? MRS. ossory. I don’t mean anything but what I say. 215