The Lucky Man Part 18

Cadwell: What talk! Are you going?

Bendish: (hesitating to reply) Sir?

Cadwell: What?

Bendish: You are going to be angry with me.

Cadwell: What's the scamp trying to say? Are you going to give me my jerkin?

Bendish: (half crying) Sir.

Cadwell: Well?

Bendish: I spilled tallow on it trying to clean it.

Cadwell: Where is it?

Bendish: I took it to have the grease taken off before I brought it back.

Cadwell: Go get it right away.

Bendish: Sir, it won't be ready.

Cadwell: Bring it to me in whatever condition it is.

Bendish: Sir.

Cadwell: What now? Will you go?

Bendish: Sir.

Cadwell: What now? Will you go?

Bendish: Sir, I must tell you the truth. I loaned it to a student for a tragedy.

Cadwell: My jerkin to a college boy? To a child?

Bendish: No, sir. He's a big fellow, handsome, well made--like you, and he plays the king in a tragedy.

Cadwell: Ah, truly, I am pleased to know that you loan my clothes. But the moment this tragedy is finished get it back the very instant. (Seeing Bendish hesitate) What then? You won't do what I tell you?

Bendish: (hesitating) Sir?

Cadwell: Ah, I see what it is. You put it in p.a.w.n, correct?

Bendish: Sir, you've divined it. As you never give me my wages or advance money to me, I've had recourse to prompt expedients.

Cadwell: You will pay me for this, I promise you. Give me the red one, Bendish.

(Bendish goes into Cadwell's room) But look at this little scoundrel.

Put my clothes in p.a.w.n.

Bendish: (returning with a red jerkin and presenting it to Cadwell) Here it is.

Cadwell: (not putting on the jerkin that Bendish brings him but asking for different garments, as soon as they are brought) Ah, I know how to live, I a.s.sure you. Another wig. I will teach you to play such tricks. Another hat! But just watch and see, I beg you. A mirror. Who has ever heard of such a thing. A scamp that I have showered benefits on. The orange flower.-- To abuse me so easily. Ah, you don't know me yet, I see that clearly. A handkerchief. You will repent, mark my words. (listening to rapping) Go open up. You will see a little the difference there is.

(Bendish opens the door and introduces Mr. Martin)

(Enter Martin, holding a scarf)

Bendish: Mr. Martin, your scarf--

Cadwell: Ah, Mr. Martin, your servant. You see me in a rage.

Martin: Sir, it's not my fault.

Cadwell: (to Bendish) Will you take this mirror? (Bendish holds the mirror for him)

Martin: I've come--

Cadwell: I am very glad to know you--

Martin: I'm in despair--

Cadwell: (to Bendish) I jut remembered.

Martin: I must tell you--

Cadwell: (to Bendish) A cad--

Martin: (astonished) Sir!

Cadwell: An insolent--

Martin: Sir!

Cadwell: An impudent.

Martin: Sir.

Cadwell: A rogue, a cheat--

Martin: Oh, sir!

Cadwell: Don't you see that I am talking to this scoundrel!

Bendish: (low to Martin) Want to be in it for half?

Martin: (low to Bendish) No, I won't play such a rotten game.