Well, I'll be toddlin' too. I only come in just to say 'ow d'you do to my future brother-in-law. I'm a fellow as likes to be cordial. There's no 'aughtiness about me.
BASIL.
[_Politely, but not effusively._] Oh; won't you stay and have some tea?
JAMES.
No, thanks. I'm not much of an 'and at tea; I leave that to females. I like something stronger myself.
JENNY.
[_Remonstrating._] Jimmie!
BASIL.
I have some whisky, Mr. Bush.
JAMES.
Oh, blow the Mister and blow the Bush. Call me Jimmie. I can't stand ceremony. The way I look on it is this. We're both of us gentlemen. Now, mind you, I'm not a fellow to praise myself. But I will say this: I am a gentleman. That's not self-praise, is it?
JOHN.
Dear me, no. Mere statement of fact.
JAMES.
Well, as I was saying, I know I'm a gentleman. It's a thing you can't 'elp, so what's the good of being proud about it? If I meet a chap in a pub, and he invites me to have a drink, I don't ask him if he's a Lord.
BASIL.
But you just take it.
JAMES.
Well, you'd do the same yourself, wouldn't you?
BASIL.
I dare say. But will you have a drink now?
JAMES.
Oh, bless you, I know what it is to be engaged. I don't want to disturb you canary-birds. Me and 'Alliwell 'll go and have a gargle round the corner. I see you've got a public nice and 'andy. [_To_ JOHN.] I suppose you're not above goin' in there now and again, eh?
JENNY.
[_With a laugh._] He came into the "Golden Crown" every day of his life, and chance it!
JOHN.
I'm afraid I'm in a great hurry.
JAMES.
'Ang it all, one's always got time to have a drop of Scotch in this life.
BASIL.
[_To_ JAMES, _handing him the box._] Well, take a cigar with you.
JAMES.
[_Taking and examining one._] If you are so pressing. Villar y Villar.... What do they run you in a hundred?
BASIL.
They were given to me, I really don't know what they cost. [_He lights a match._] Won't you take the label off?
JAMES.
Not if I know it. I don't smoke a Villar y Villar every day, but when I do, I smoke it with the label on.
JENNY.
[_Laughing._] Jimmie, you are a caution!
JOHN.
[_Shaking hands with_ JENNY.] Good-bye and--my best wishes.
JENNY.
Thanks. You didn't expect I'd marry Basil when I used to mix cocktails for you in the "Golden Crown," did you?
JAMES.
Come on, 'Alliwell. Don't stop there gassing. You'll only disturb the canary-birds. So long, old tart, see you later. Ta-ta, Basil, old man.
BASIL.
Good-bye--Jimmie.
[JOHN HALLIWELL _and_ JAMES _go out_, JENNY _goes up to_ BASIL _impulsively._
JENNY.
Kiss me. [_He kisses her, smiling._] There! Now I can sit down quietly and talk. How d'you like my brother?