No, I won’t. And many’s the time I’ve bathed you, my lad, in that little back room in St. John’s Road, Brixton, and don’t you forget that either.
[_Enthusiastically to_ MRS. PARKER-JENNINGS.] Aren’t you surprised to see us here? Mr. and Mrs. Withers are giving us such a treat.
I shouldn’t ’ave thought this quite the place for a clergyman’s wife to come to. I confess I’m surprised you should find time to leave your work at Taverner in order to gad about in London.
[ROSIE _is taken aback by the snub, and her face falls_.
But we’re only here for a day or two. We shall be home on Thursday. I was wondering if I might come up to luncheon as Lewis has got to go out.
I’m expecting Lord Serlo’s mother and Lady Eleanor King to stay with me, so perhaps you’d better not come up to the ’all for a few days. I’m sure you understand, don’t you. I don’t want to ’urt your feelings, but I don’t think you’re quite the sort of person they’d like to meet.
I’ll let you know when it’s convenient for you to call. I’m afraid you’re a little inclined to be pushing, my dear. You don’t mind my telling you, do you? It’s not quite the correct thing in a clergyman’s wife.
[_She turns her back on_ ROSIE, _who is left gasping. She tries to choke her sobs, but tears of mortification roll down her cheeks._
[_She makes_ ROSIE _sit down and comforts her_.
Hold your tongue, Ethel. I’ve been wanting to give those people a lesson for some time. Where’s our table, Robert?
There are some people sitting there, my dear. We shall ’ave to take this one.
Didn’t you tell the waiter to reserve it? Waiter!
You must tell those people that that table’s taken.
I’m very sorry, madam. Will this one not do instead?
I’m not going to let people push me into any ’ole and corner they like.
[_Unwillingly taking her seat at a vacant table._] How often ’ave I told you not to call me mother? My name’s Marion; I’m sure you ought to know it by now.
[_To_ JACK STRAW.] What are you waiting there for?
I thought the gentleman wished to give an order, madam.
I’m very sorry, madam, I daresay I misunderstood you.
I don’t know what they want to engage these dirty foreigners for, they make me sick.
Two coffees, and bring all the liqueurs you’ve got.
Bring some cigars, and none of your twopenny stinkers. Bring the most expensive cigars you’ve got. I’ll soon show them who I am.