Nor, to reduce their rates, will they engage
(_Sympathetically_) For two poor orphans who are under age!
So (as I'd give no more than half a guinea)
I must myself get rid of TOM and JENNY.
Yet, like an old soft-hearted fool, I falter,
And can't make up my mind to risk a halter.
(_Looking off_). Ha, in the distance, JANE and little TOM I see!
These berries--(_meditatingly_)--why, it only needs diplomacy.
Ho-ho, a most ingenious experiment!

[_Indulges in silent and sinister mirth, as_ JANE
_and_ TOM _trip in, and regard him with
innocent wonder_.

_Jane._ Uncle, what is the joke? why all this
merriment?

_The W. U. (in guilty confusion)._ Not merriment,
my loves--a trifling spasm--
Don't be alarmed--your Uncle often has 'em!
I'm feeling better than I did at first--
You're looking flushed, though not, I hope, with
thirst? [_Insidiously._

SONG, BY THE WICKED UNCLE.

The sun is scorching overhead: the roads are dry and dusty;
And here are berries, ripe and red, refreshing when you're _thusty_!
They're hanging just within your reach, inviting you to clutch them!
But--as your Uncle--I beseech you won't attempt to touch them?

_Tommy and Jane (dutifully)._ We'll do whatever you beseech, and
not attempt to touch them! [_Annoyance of_ W. U.

_The W. U._ Temptation (so I've understood) a child, in order kept, shuns;
And fruit in lanes is seldom good (with several exceptions).
However freely you partake, it can't--as you are young--kill,
But should it cause a stomach-ache--well, don't you blame your Uncle!

_Tommy and Jane._ No, should it cause a stomach-ache, we will not blame our
Uncle!

_The W. U. (aside)._ They'll need no further personal assistance,
But take the bait when I am at a distance.
I could not, were I paid a thousand ducats,
(_With sentiment_) Stand by, and see them kick their little buckets,
Or look on while their sticks this pretty pair cut! [_Stealing off._

_Tommy._ What, Uncle, going?

_The W. U. (with assumed jauntiness)._ Just to get my hair cut! [_Goes._

_Tommy (looking wistfully at the berries)._ I say, they _do_ look nice,
JANE, such a lot too!

_Jane (demurely)._ Well, TOMMY, Uncle never told us _not_ to.

[_Slow music; they gradually approach the berries, which they
pick and eat with increasing relish, culminating in a dance
of delight._

_Duet_--TOMMY _and_ JANE (_with step-dance._