Page:A Series of Plays on the Passions Volume 1.pdf/269

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got round her new—(Agnes from behind, claps her hand on Eston's mouth, and draws her into the closet.—Mariane seats herself by the table, pretending to read. Betty, and enter Sir, a servant announcing him.)

Sir Loft. You are very studious this morning, Miss Withrington.

Mar. (Carelessly.) Ha! how do you do?

Sir Loft. You have been well amus'd, I hope?

Mar. So, so. I must put in a mark here, and not lose my place. (Looking on the table.) There is no paper—O, there is some on the other table: pray do fetch it me! (Pointing to a table at the bottom of the stage.) I am very lazy. (Sits down again indolently.)

''Sir Loft. (Fetching the paper, and presenting it with a condescending yet self-important air.)'' I have the honour to obey you, ma'am.

Mar. I thank you; you are a very serviceable creature, I am sure.

''Sir Loft. (Drawing himself up proudly, but immediately correcting himself.)'' I am always happy to serve Miss Withrington.

Mar. O! I know very well the obliging turn of your disposition. (Tosses her arm upon the table, and throws down a book.) I am very stupid this morning. (Sir Loftus picks up the book, and gives it to her rather sulkily; and she in receiving it drops an ivory ball under the table.) Bless me! What is the matter with all these things? pray lift it for me, good Sir Loftus! I believe you must creep