Comrades. Baker George Melville
entered yonder city, five years ago.
Simon. None of that, Mark. Don’t be shabby; helping hand, indeed, to a loft in the sixth story, a bed on a heap of rags, and dry bread washed down with water.
Mar. Divided your substance with me. Sim, when I forget your kindness, may I be as hungry as I was then.
Simon. Yes; but, Mark —
Mar. Hush. Here comes Miss Bess.
Simon. Then I’ll just step outside (going).
Mar (detaining him). Not a step.
Bess. Nancy will be here in a minute. Mr. —
Mar (coming down L., leading Simon, the right hands clasped). Bess, Miss Bradley, allow me to present a very dear friend, – Mr. Simon Stone, my chum.
Bess. Indeed (offering her hand). Mr. Stone, you are very welcome here.
Simon (takes hand). Ah – yes; thank you. Thank you – very kind (goes L.). Chums. Chums, – before her, too. There’s nothing shabby about that.
Mar. We’ll leave you, Simon, to your friend; but don’t go until I’ve seen you again.
Bess. Oh, no. You must stop to dinner.
Simon. Yes, thank you, much obliged. Well, now, that’s hearty; pretty as a picture, and he, there’s nothing shabby about him. Now, for Nancy. Won’t her eyes glisten when she sees me in this stunning get-up. I never did care for dress, but when I made up my mind to look after Nancy again, I said to myself, “Simon, don’t be shabby; do the thing in style;” and here I am, bran’ new from top to toe, from shampoo to shining leather, but with the same old heart inside of me, advancing double-shuffle to the tune of “Nancy is my darling.”
Nancy. Now, I’d like to know who – Good gracious! it’s Simon Stone.
Simon. Nancy, it is. Simon, your Simon. How dye do (offers hand).
Nancy. Well, I declare! rigged out like a dancing-jack. You extravagant dog!
Simon (turning round). Gay, ain’t it. Cut to order by an artist, (turns round); look at the “elegance of expression” in the back of that coat, and the tout ensemble of these pantaloons. That’s what he called ’em, and I know they’re there, for I paid for ’em. Nothing shabby about me.
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