If you want something simple, you must stick to
the truth, and throw yourself on Bemis's mercy.'
ROBERTS, walking up and down in great distress: 'I can't do it; I
can't do it. It's very kind of you to think it all out for me,
but'--struck by a sudden idea--'Willis, why shouldn't YOU do it?'
WILLIS: 'I?'
ROBERTS: 'You are good at those things. You have so much aplomb,
you know. YOU could carry it off, you know, first-rate.'
WILLIS, as if finding a certain fascination in the idea: 'Well, I
don't know--'
ROBERTS: 'And I could chime in on the laugh. I think I could do
that if somebody else was doing the rest.'
WILLIS, after a moment of silent reflection: 'I SHOULD like to do
it. I should like to see how old Bemis would look when I played it
on him. Roberts, I WILL do it. Not a word! I should LIKE to do
it. Now you go on and hurry up your toilet, old fellow; you needn't
mind me here. I'll be rehearsing.'
MRS. ROBERTS, knocking at the door, outside: 'Edward, are you NEVER
coming?'
ROBERTS: 'Yes, yes; I'll be there in a minute, my dear.'
WILLIS: 'Yes, he'll be there. Run along back, and keep it going
till we come. Roberts, I wouldn't take a thousand dollars for this
chance.'
ROBERTS: 'I'm glad you like it.'
WILLIS: 'Like it? Of course I do. Or no! Hold on! Wait! It
won't do! No; you must take the leading part, and I'll support you,
and I'll come in strong if you break down.
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