you old rogue--only the picture, sonny, no more.
Ha, ha, ha!

HENRICH SCHERCL (_confused_).

You misunderstood me quite--I had no idea but of my business. I do not
think of other things. Er--when will the picture be done, Tempenny, I
would like it soon?

REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.

Ha, ha, ha! Control yourself, Romeo, it's coming on.

HENRICH SCHERCL.

But according to our contract, it should be done in a week's time. If
you disappoint me, my friend, we shall fall out again.

REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (_aside_).

It strikes me you'll be precious lucky if you get it at all. The
infernal "contract" is the bane of my life. (_Aloud_.) All right,
Schercl, I will push on with it--I want the other two hundred, you
know. I shan't delay for my own sake. (_Enter_ CHARLES SYLVESTER _L_.)
Hallo, Charlie, how d'ye do. How are things at home?

HENRICH SCHERCL.

I see another of yesterday's gulprits. However I have forgiven you.

CHARLES SYLVESTER.

That's all right. (_Aside to_ REMBRANDT TEMPENNY:) Rosaline's
downstairs--wanting to see you. Where is your wife?

REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.

Out. (_To_ HENRICH SCHERCL.) That poor girl has followed you here.
Perhaps out of pity you ought to go down to her and say a kind word.

HENRICH SCHERCL.

Miss Rosaline--she is here? Well, I never! Yes, I will go down and
speak to her. Where is she?

(_Enter_ ROSALINE _L_.)

REMBRANDT TEMPENNY (_aside_).

Damn it, in the drawing-room! Look here, Schercl, you can't go till
_she_ does. If my wife comes in and finds her, she is your affair.
Don't leave her for Heaven's sake.

ROSALINE.

Good morning, gentlemen. Oh, Mr. Schercl! What a pleasure--how _do_ you
do?

HENRICH SCHERCL.

I am very well, I thank you. And you?--I need not ask, you look most
beautiful.

ROSALINE (_aside_).

Dear man!

HENRICH SCHERCL.

(_Aside to_ CHARLES SYLVESTER.) Why is Tempenny so afraid his wife
should see her? You too--why are _you_ so afraid? Is she not of a good
character, this Miss Rosaline?

CHARLES SYLVESTER.

(_Aside to_ HENRICH SCHERCL.) The girl is a paragon. They are jealous
of her, that's all. She is too good-looking for 'em.

HENRICH SCHERCL.

Ha, ha, I see!

REMBRANDT TEMPENNY.

I think we'll leave you, old man. Rosaline, Mr. Schercl, has something
to say to you--we shall be in the way. (_Aside to_ CHARLES SYLVESTER.)
Come on, old chap--I wouldn't risk being found in the room again with
the girl for a monkey.

CHARLES SYLVESTER.