SIMON. Then I sought the confectioner’s emporium. Said I, here’s a sweet occupation, and a candid young man can win more lasses’ favor in this line than in any other. Nancy, you would adore me could you see me in a white apron, pulling molasses candy over a hook (_with gestures_), with a long pull, and a strong pull, and a pull altogether!
SIMON. Nancy, I know it, or I should not be running after you, when I’ve been snubbed time and time again. Nancy, dear Nancy, look upon me with favor this time. (_Takes box from pocket behind._) Accept this slight but sweet offering of affection. (_Presents it._) Real French candy——made it myself.
NANCY (_taking box_). Do you mean to stick to this business, Simon?
SIMON. To be sure I do, and it’s an awful sticky business I tell you——specially setting down into a pan of hot, cooling candy when you aren’t particularly tired.
NANCY. Well, Simon, if I thought I could trust you.
SIMON. You can, Nancy, you can. O Nancy, quit this scrubbing existence and work for me alone!
NANCY. I’ll think about it when you find the soap.
SIMON. I have found it in the confectionery line.
NANCY. Well, Simon, I must confess I rather like that.
SIMON. Do you Nancy. Eurekey, I’ve found it at last! (_Takes paper from pants pocket._) Try a chocolate drop, Nancy. (_She takes it._) You make me so happy. It’s just the nicest business you ever looked upon. Rows and rows of shelves filled with all that’s sweet to the tooth——and profitable to the dentist. And then the girls, Nancy, you should see the girls.
SIMON. Girls. Pretty girls that tend behind the counters, dealing out sugar plums, and——and lozengers, and——and kisses, with eyes full of fun and mouths full of candy. Oh, it’s just glorious! Ha! ha! ha!
SIMON. To be sure I do. I’ve often received a kiss from them.
NANCY. Very well, Simon, very well. I’m perfectly satisfied.
NANCY (_furiously_). I’ll have nothing more to say to a man who so debases himself as to associate with lozengers and lollypops, sugar plums and pretty girls, with eyes full of candy and mouths full of kisses. Good morning, Mr. Stone.
NANCY. Back to my washing. The business won’t suit, Simon.
SIMON. What! are you going to snub me again? (_Angry._) Hang it, Nancy Nipper! I’m not going to be treated in this shabby manner! Take me now, or you lose me forever. It’s the last time of asking.