If Only etc. Part 49

ROSALINE.

Say it, and see. (_Aside_.) He's in earnest. I do believe.

HENRICH SCHERCL.

I am a very rich man. I could give you lots of such hats, and jewellery, and a big house.

ROSALINE (_sentimentally_).

I wish that you were poor.

HENRICH SCHERCL (_in a fright_).

No, no, for goodness sake, don't say that! Why?

ROSALINE.

You would not doubt my sincerity then. Now, you may think--

HENRICH SCHERCL.

No, no, I do believe you. Do you care for me a little, Rosie?

ROSALINE (_archly_).

Perhaps I do--a little. No, you are making game of me! (_Turns up_.)

HENRICH SCHERCL.

I am not--I am not! I love you desperately. Rosie, will you be my wife.

Say "yes" my darling.

ROSALINE.

Yes. Now you may kiss me.

HENRICH SCHERCL (_kissing her_).

This is paradise. And Rosie--

ROSALINE.

Yes, Mr. Schercl.

HENRICH SCHERCL.

Ah, no, you must say Heinrich.

ROSALINE.

Yes--Heinrich?

HENRICH SCHERCL.

You will not sit to Mr. Tempenny any more? It is not fit, now that you are to be Mrs. Schercl, that you should earn your living in such a way.

ROSALINE (_doubtfully_).

He will be very disappointed. He can't finish "Susannah" without me, and if he don't finish it, he won't get the two hundred pounds.

(_Enter_ MRS. SYLVESTER _and_ MRS. TEMPENNY. _L. dressed for walking_.)

MRS. TEMPENNY.

Sir!

HENRICH SCHERCL.

Ah, my friend Tempenny's wife. And Mrs. Sylvester--how do you do?

MRS. SYLVESTER.

This creature again?

MRS. TEMPENNY.

By what right, sir, do you bring this person again--and into my private house.

ROSALINE.

Creature! Stand up for me, Heinrich.

HENRICH SCHERCL.

I will, my treasure. (_To_ MRS. TEMPENNY.) I must trouble you, my good madam, to speak in terms of more respect of a lady who will shortly be my wife.

MRS. TEMPENNY } } (_aside_).

MRS. SYLVESTER }

Schercl's wife! We must be very civil to her!

HENRICH SCHERCL.

Let me introduce you: Mrs. Tempenny, Mrs. Sylvester--the future Mrs.

Heinrich Schercl.

(_The two women gush up to her and shake her hands_.)