Were you at the opera last night?
NURSE [_to_ OLD WOMAN]. Did you ever hear the like of it?
WAITER. Here goes again! [_Goes as before to door, and throws it open._]
Lord Ballarat!
BRUM. [_advancing as before, and receiving imaginary visitor_]. My good
fellow, I'm sorry I missed you at the club the other night; but I went
into the duchess's box, and----
WAITER. I must stop this. The duchess always comes last, and then he's
satisfied. [_Throwing open the door, and calling pompously._] Her
Highness the Duchess of Canterbury.
BRUM. [_totters to door, bowing very profoundly, and handing the
imaginary duchess to his armchair--leans over the chair, and bows
frequently as he talks_]. Your highness is too good! This is indeed an
honor. Permit me the satisfaction of handing you to your seat. And is
the duke well? And little Nutmeg--is his ear better? Poor little fellow!
I hope you will allow me to give him a charming little collar I have for
him.
WAITER. There, that'll do! [_To_ BRUMMELL.] Come, now, they're all
gone--take your coat off.
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