One summer's day
Henry V. Esmond
Paperback
(RareBooksClub.com, March 6, 2012)
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1900 Excerpt: ...forever. Ben. (jumping up, furious) Immortal, you dreadful boy, immortal! Urchin. 'Oppin' tub, I thought you was asleep. BEN. How could I sleep under such an imputation? Besides, you know, I never was asleep. I was shamming--at your suggestion I shammed. At your suggestion I swore at lunch that I had allowed five bottles of ginger beer to fall into the river, making myself appear little less than a fool, that you might glut yourself with the noxious fluid--but I've had enough, sir. Leave this peaceful spot, or I shall undoubtedly endeavor to box your ears. Urchin. (calmly) This is gratitude. 'Oppin' tub, don't excite yourself. Remember you 'as an appointment with Cleopatra at 4.30. (goes back, thenK. Exit punt) Ben. He knows--everything--everything! What is he? Tom. (crosses c, loftily) Mr. Bendyshe, I should like a word with you. Ben. (l. C.) Not now, Tommy, I am not quite myself. Tom. (angrily) I wish it now, and you'll oblige me by not calling me Tommy. Urchin. (up R.) 'Ear, 'ear! (business with river) Tom. (fiercely) Shut up! Ben. Oh, here's another dreadful boy. Tom. I'm not a boy. I may have been last week, but I'm changed now. Don't go, Bendyshe, I want an explanation. Urchin. Stick to 'im, stror 'at. Tom. Shut up! An explanation, Bendyshe. Ben. Gracious! What about? Urchin. (scornfully) As if you didn't know. Tom. Shut up! Did you give five pounds to--to--Miss--Miss--I don't know her name, but you know who I mean. Ben. I certainly did--to buy a shawl. URchiN. To buy a shawl! 'Ark at'Oppin'tub! TOM. How dare you, Bendyshe? Ben. (furious) How dare? What the devil has it got to do with you? TOM. A great deal. I must ask you to take it back. I cannot allow her to accept presents from any one but me. Take it back, sir! Take it back! Urchin. If yer can ge...