BAFFLING A CREDITOR.

Evening Post, Volume XL, Issue 136, 6 December 1890, Page 1 (Supplement)

BAFFLING A CREDITOR.

A bill standing for years with one Jones, a fashionable bootmaker, provoked the incensed creditor to call on Sheridan personally, determined to havo hiß money. A loud knock at Sheridan'B door was speedily answered by a demure-looking footman, inquiring his business. " Your master. I must see him." " Sorry to say he is out, sir." " Won't do forme." A push, and Jones was in the hall with—" Here I sit till he comes home." " You can't stay here." "Can't I? You'll see. I'll sleep here ; I'm a fixture." Loud words passed and repassed, interrupted by Sheridan's bell, and his voice inquiring — "What is all that uproar about, James?" Jones (loudly): "Boots, sir — Jones, of Bond street !" Sheridan rushed out, seized both of his hands, exclaiming — "My dear Jones, how are you? Delighted to see you." (To demure James) — "How dare you detain my friend Joneß in the hall ? Walk in, pray." Arm-in-arm, Spider and Fly enter the parlour together. " Chair James" They sit. "Breakfasted? Of course you have. Twelve o'clock." (Sighs). "Ah, my dear sir, legislating is no joke ; late hours, wear and tear. By-the-bye, how is dear Mrs. Jones ? Any increase of the family ? When I last called one of your olive branches had — had, dear me " " Measles, sir." " That's it. And pray why am I honoured by this call so early ?" "Three years' boots and shoes." "Three years! How time flies! Our brief hours soon Blip away, Til Jones. " Yes, sir, but credit don't." / " No, certainly. I'll write you a cheque." "Thank you, sir." "Glass of wine?" (Pours one out). Then a chat, embracing every conceivable subject, concluding with Sheridan's last play, " Pizzaro." He writes out a box order, and says — "Bring your wife and children. Kemble, Siddons, Jordan, all in it." (Rings bell). "James, carriagedue at the House. Good-bye, Jones ; regards to Mrs. J. Stop — now you are here, measure me for half a dozen pairs of top-boots." (Jones did). "Thank ye. Always delighted to see you — mind that, Jameß." Door closes on mystified Joneß ; he had two orders, one for boots, the other for the play.