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Humph. I have been seeking your honour every where—Lord, sir! I have something to tell you.

Roys. Confound your tales! dont trouble me with a parcel of nonsense.

''Humph. (Staring at him and hearing the laughing without.)'' For certain, your honour, there's somebody in this house merrier than you or I.

Roys. Damn you, sir! how do you know I am not merry? Go home, and do what I ordered you directly. If that fellow Jonathan is not in the way, I'll horse-whip him within an inch of his life. Begone, I say, why do you stand staring at me, like a madman?[

Mar. (holding her sides.) Oh how my poor sides ache. I shan't be able to laugh again for a month.

Ag. You have got rid of one lover who will scarcely attempt you a second time. I have met him hurrying through the hall, and muttering to himself like a madman. It is not your refusal of his son that has so roused him.

Mar. No, no, he began his courtship in a doubtful way, as if he would recommend a gay young husband to my choice, but a sly compliment to agreeable men of a middle age, brought him soon to speak plainly for himself.

Ag. But how did you provoke him so?