SCENE.āShort and Sweet's Lodgings, near the Crystal Palaceāa handsomely furnished Apartment, door, C.ābacked by landing and staircase, doors, L. 1. E. and 2 E.āfireplace, L. in flatālooking glass over mantelpieceāvases and ornaments on mantelpieceāfender, fireirons, &c.ādoor, R. 2 E.āa large round table, R., laid for luncheon for fourāchairsāan easy chair, L. of tableāsofa against R. in flatāsideboard against L. in flatāa work table and chairs, L.āfootstool near sofa.
MRS. SWEET is seen, R., arranging the remains of a luncheon, from which she and MRS. SHORT are supposed to have just risenāMRS. 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...