, _behind table_,
WILL _rises, nervously, and rushes his little speech like a child
who has learnt a lesson. The table has hot-house flowers (in a
basin) and the remains of a meal at which tea only has been drunk,
and the feast is represented by the sections of a large pork pie
and a small wedding cake. As_ WILL _rises_, ALBERT _hammers on the
table_.
ALICE _suppresses him_. WILLIE. It's a very great pleasure to
us to see you here to- night. It's an honour you do us, and I
assure you, speaking for my--my wife, as well as for myself,
that the--the--
MAGGIE (_in an undertone_). Generous.
WILLIE. Oh, aye. That's it. That the generous warmth of the
sentiments so cordially expressed by Mr. Beenstock and so
enthusiastically seconded by--no, I've gotten that wrong road
round--expressed by Mr. Prosser and seconded by Mr. Beenstock--
will never be forgotten by either my life partner or self--and--
and I'd like to drink this toast to you in my own house. Our
guests, and may they all be married soon themselves.
MAGGIE (_rising and drinking with_ WILL). Our guests.
(WILL _and_ MAGGIE _sit. General laughter and conversation_.)
ALBERT (_solemnly rising_). In rising to respond--
ALICE (_tugging his coat and putting him into his seat_).
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