_Spreta._ You shouldn't have dressed the poor dog up like that. It does make him look so utterly ridiculous!
_Alfred_ (_speaking lower and seriously_). Only in the eyes of the Philistines who couldn't see any pathos in poor Mrs. SOLNESS and her nine dolls. The truly reverent have no sense whatever of the ridiculous. Still, it would certainly be better in future to keep Little MOPSËMAN indoors, because if the dogs in the streets saw him in those clothes--(_clenching his hands_)--and after he has had that unfortunate accident to his tail, too!
_Spreta._ ALFRED, I won't _have_ you bringing up that again! There's someone knocking. Come in.
_The Varmint-Bl[=o]k_ (_enters softly and noiselessly. He is a slouching, sinister figure, in a fur cap and a flowered comforter. He has a large green gingham in one hand, and in the other a bag which writhes unpleasantly_). Humbly beg pardon, your worships, but you don't happen to feel in the humour to see how this little wounded warrior here (_points to_ MOPSËMAN) would polish off the lovely little ratikins, do you?
_Alfred_ (_with suppressed indignation_). We most certainly do _not_. He is intended for higher things. Get out, you have frightened him under the sofa.
_The Varm.-B._ He'll come round right enough.... There, didn't I _tell_ you! See how he sniffs at my legs. It's wonderful what a fancy dawgs _do_ seem to take to me--follow me _anywhere_, they will. (_With a chuckling laugh._) Seems as if they'd _got_ to.
_Spreta._ There is certainly no accounting---- And what becomes of them when they do?
_The Varm.-B._ (_with glittering eyes_). Oh, _they_'re safe enough, the sweet little creatures, lady. I'm very kind to 'em. And if I could only induce you to let your lovely poodlekin tackle a dozen rats, which 'ud be a holiday to a game little sportin' dawg like him---- _Not_ this mornin'? then here's a loving good-day to you all, and thank ye kindly for nothing.
_He backs out cringingly, as_ SPRETA _retires to the verandah, fanning herself elegantly with her pocket-handkerchief_; MOPSËMAN _slips out after him, unnoticed by all_. ALFRED _sees_ MOPSA'S _portfolio_.
_Alfred_ (_to_ MOPSA). And have you positively lugged this thing all the way out here. Wasn't it heavy?