If Only etc. Part 42

SARAH ANN.

Yessir.

ROSALINE.

And look slippy. Go on, I'm parched. Mind, the _best_ champagne. (_To_ HENRICH SCHERCL.) Got a light?

(_Exit_ SARAH ANN _L_.)

HENRICH SCHERCL.

What is your name, my dear? (_Gives her light_).

ROSALINE.

Rosaline--you may call me "Rosie" if you like.

HENRICH SCHERCL.

May I--why? (_Chuckles_).

ROSALINE.

Well, I was struck by your demeanour, and to tell your Royal Highness the truth I have never done business with such a nice gentleman as you before.

HENRICH SCHERCL.

Ha, ha, ha! You are a sharp girl too! You are too good to go to India to be a slave. You could do better in London.

ROSALINE.

(_Coquettishly_). Think so?

HENRICH SCHERCL.

You shall have a slave of your own--a slave who would love you.

ROSALINE.

It sounds very well. In the meantime what about the tenner?

HENRICH SCHERCL.

(_Taking out his notebook_). You shall have it. There! Will you give me a kiss for that, my Rosie, with your rosy-posy lips?

(_Enter_ SARAH ANN _L. with champagne and gla.s.ses_).

ROSALINE.

Not before the child! Put it down, my girl, that'll do--Come on, Heinrich of the Golden Square, come and pour out the fluid.

(_Exit_ SARAH ANN _L_.)

HENRICH SCHERCL.

(_Lifting his gla.s.s_). Gezunteit!

ROSALINE.

Very likely. (_Aside_.) This is the best day's sitting I've ever done.

(_Aloud_.) Now this is what I call comfortable: a bottle of the boy, a cigarette, and a cosy chat. I am very glad to have met you.

HENRICH SCHERCL.

(_Putting his arm round her waist_). Really--is that so?

ROSALINE.

That is really so. But mind you, an hour ago, I should not have let you do this.

HENRICH SCHERCL.

I am so blessed we did not meet an hour ago.

ROSALINE.

It is true. An hour ago I was in love, but I have been treated very badly. Just now my heart is at the rebound.

HENRICH SCHERCL.

Leedle heart--let me gatch it!

ROSALINE.

Now you are making fun of me. I am not so simple as you think. Why, we have only just met.

HENRICH SCHERCL.

But we can meet again. Besides, I am not going yet--I will stop and talk to you. You shall tell me all about your love-trouble, and I will gonsole you. Hark, what is that?

ROSALINE.

Somebody is coming upstairs.

HENRICH SCHERCL.

Then I will step into the next room. It would not look vell that I should be found trinking jampagne mid a pretty girl like you. When they are gone I will come back.