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Kipling, Rudyard, 1865-1936

"From Mine Own People"


Miss T. (Conscious that she is flushing.) Good evening, Captain Gadsby. Mamma
told me to say that she will be ready in a few minutes. Won't you have some
tea? (Aside.) I hope Mamma will be quick. What am I to say to the creature?
(Aloud and abruptly.) Milk and sugar?
Capt. G. No sugar, tha-anks, and very little milk. Ha-Hmmm.
Miss T. (Aside.) If he's going to do that, I'm lost. I shall laugh. I know I
shall!
Capt. G. (Pulling at his moustache and watching it sideways down his nose.) Ha-
Hmmm. (Aside.) 'Wonder what the little beast can talk about. 'Must make a shot
at it.
Miss T. (Aside.) Oh, this is agonizing. I must say something.
Both Together. Have you Been--
Capt. G. I beg your pardon. You were going to say--
Miss T. (Who has been watching the moustache with awed fascination.) Won't you
have some eggs?
Capt. G. (Looking bewilderedly at the tea-table.) Eggs! (Aside.) O Hades! She
must have a nursery-tea at this hour. S'pose they"ve wiped her mouth and sent
her to me while the Mother is getting on her duds. (Aloud.) No, thanks.
Miss T. (Crimson with confusion.) Oh! I didn't mean that. I wasn't thinking of
mou--eggs for an instant. I mean salt. Won't you have some sa--sweets? (Aside.)
He'll think me a raving lunatic.


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