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174

Now, madam, you touch the finest chord of the soul's harmony.

She does; I allow it. But I contend that I am of more service to the ladies in my present state than I could possibly be in any other. Have I not danced at our country balls with all the neglected damsels who could find no partners to lead them out for these ten years past? and do I not still serve as a forlorn hope to half the desponding maidens and unsettled widows of the west-riding of Yorkshire?

Upon my honour, madam, he tells you serious truth as to the neglected damsels, for he has danced with them so often, that it would be no longer the fashion for any other kind of damsels to dance with him if he had not too good an estate to be rejected.

Your services to the ladies are too general, Sir John; to make one deserving woman happy is the best way of shewing your respect for them.

And what lady, my good madam, will expect happiness from an elderly rusticated bachelor?