SCENE.âShort and Sweet's Lodgings, near the Crystal Palaceâa handsomely furnished Apartment, door, C.âbacked by landing and staircase, doors, L. 1. E. and 2 E.âfireplace, L. in flatâlooking glass over mantelpieceâvases and ornaments on mantelpieceâfender, fireirons, &c.âdoor, R. 2 E.âa large round table, R., laid for luncheon for fourâchairsâan easy chair, L. of tableâsofa against R. in flatâsideboard against L. in flatâa work table and chairs, L.âfootstool near sofa.
MRS. SWEET is seen, R., arranging the remains of a luncheon, from which she and MRS. SHORT are supposed to have just risenâMRS. SHORT sitting working at table, L.
MRS. SWEET. That tiresome husband of mine! What has he done with himself?
MRS. SHORT. Compose yourself, my dear; men of business, you know, are not always their own masters. My good man, you see, has not found his way back yet.
MRS. SWEET. Ah, you quite spoil Mr. Short. You know we don't agree upon that subject. (calls) Come, come, William, come and take your lunch!
SWEET. (within, R. door) In one minute, my dear. I'm only just drying my hands.
MRS. SWEET. Vexatious! We shan't get the things cleared away all day...