Page:A Series of Plays on the Passions Volume 1.pdf/247

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Est. I did see your figure, indeed, but I mistook it for Sir Loftus.

Op. (Correcting himself, and assuming a cheerful frank manner.) O ma'am! you are very obliging to observe me at all. I believe Prettyman and I may be nearly of the same height. (Looking at his watch.) I am beyond my appointment I see. Excuse me: I must hurry away.[ hastily.

Est. (Looking after him with marks of disappointment.) I am very glad he is gone. He does so haunt me, and stare at me, I am quite tired of it. The first time I ever saw him, you remember how he looked me out of countenance. I was resolved before I came not to take notice of him.

Mar. So you knew you should find him here, then.

Est. O la! one dont know of a morning who one may meet; as likely him as any body else, you know. I really wonder now what crotchet he has taken in his head about me. Do you know, last night, before twilight, I peeped past the blind, and saw him walking with slow pensive steps, under my window.

Mar. Well, what happened then?

Est. I drew in my head, you may be sure; but a little while after, I peeped out again, and, do you know, I saw him come out of the perfumer's shop, just opposite to my dressing-room, where he had been all the while.

Mar. Very well, and what happened next?

Est. La! nothing more. But was it not very