74 A DRAMATIC VERSION OF
DENys trregular intervals, whtle DENYS clears his
Sir! pray let 2k I knov | throat repeatedly. This continues long,
not pray jet me speak. VY YOU Denys fidgeting more and more. DENYS,
ALAIN politely :| The wind has gone down some-
° what.
We know you. [ALAIN falls into a fit of silent
D laughter. DENYS rtses and puts
ENYS.
[Lronicadly.| I am too honoured.
ALAIN.
Well?
DENYs.
You speak of a lady tome. You mistake
me
ALAIN.
[I hope so.
DENYS.
Do not entrust a stranger with your
family secrets, is my advice—as a man of
the world.
ALAIN.
But my nephew !—
DENYS.
I do not even know your lordship’s
honourable nephew.
ALAIN.
I may yet show you a sneaking rascal in
his person.
DENYs.
This really cannot go on. I must beg
you, sir, to allow me to go from your house.
I came here by an ill chance enough—though
it saved my life in sooth.
ALAIN.
And secured you a splendid marriage.
DENYS.
[sede.] Never, never again will I mix
my drinks. [ALAIN szrveys DENYS from
head to foot, emitting satisfied chuckles at
on his hat with a flourish,
DENys.
Sir, if you are in your wits, I find you
insolent: if not, I will not stand here
parleying with a madman.
ALAIN.
I must apologise, no doubt, but the cir-
cumstances are peculiar. Is it your custom
to steal into the houses of gentlemen after
midnight, and accuse the owners of lunacy?
[Chuckles.} Well—let us be polite if we
cannot be friendly.
DENYS.
Then, sir, you will permit me to explain
my intrusion.
ALAIN.
[Laughing.] Ha! Ha! a fine story, I
wager. ’Twill interest me much, ?’ faith.
(DENYS shows signs of tmpatience ; ALAIN
begins to look a tattle doubtful. With sudden
interest :] Well, how dd you come here?
DENYS,
[With much quaint lively gesture-—hts
story-telling powers are much in request by
his mess, and he ts very proud of them.)
Aye, sir! by ’r Lady, when I think of it,
tis a curious adventure enough. [Pause to
collect thoughts. Then dashes off lively:]
Lost my way in this cursed town—night like
hell’s mouth—groped about your dirty little
black narrow streets—no lantern—quarrelled
with an officer—I draw—captain bolts—up
run guard—see open door—your door, sir !—
in I go! and then all of a sudden bangs to
the door and I am caught like a rat in a