Page:A Series of Plays on the Passions Volume 1.pdf/272

270

how favourable my ear may be disposed: sit down here and tell me all about it. (Sir Loftus revolts again at her familiarity, but stifles his pride and sits down by her.)

Sir Loft. Permit me to say, madam, that it is time we should come to an explanation of each other's sentiments.

Mar. Whenever you please, sir.

Sir Loft, (Bowing.) I hope then, I may be allowed to presume, that my particular attentions to you, pardon me, ma'am, have not been altogether disagreeable to you.

Mar. O! not at all. Sir Loftus.

''Sir Loft. (Bowing again.)'' I will presume then, still farther, ma'am, and declare to you, that from the very day which gave birth to my passion, I have not ceased to think of you with the most ardent tenderness.

Mar. La! Sir Loftus, was it not of a Wednesday?

''Sir Loft. (Fretted.)'' Upon my word I am not so very accurate: it might be Wednesday, or Friday, or any day.

Mar. Of a Friday, do you think? it runs strangely in my head that we saw one another first of a Wednesday.

''Sir Loft. (Very much fretted.)'' I say, ma'am, the day which gave birth to my love—

Mar. O! very true! You might see me first of a Wednesday, and yet not fall in lave with me till the Friday. (Sir Loftus starts up in a passion, and