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Mrs. B. My dear girl, and so there must be things in this mix'd world to keep even thy careless breast from being as blithe as a linnet. But you were going home: I'll walk a little way with you.

Char. I thank you (looking off the stage.) Is not that Charles at a distance? I dare say, now, he has been a fishing, or looking after coveys of partridges, or loit'ring about the horse dealers. I hope he did not see me get over the hedge tho'.

Mrs. B. Alas poor Charles! I wish he had more useful occupations. It is a sad thing for a young man to be hanging about idle.

Char. So my papa says: and, do you know, I believe he had it in his head to get some appointment for him when this election came in the way. Shall I put him in mind of it?

Mrs. B. No no, my dear Charlotte, that must not be. Shall we walk?

''Char. (scampering off.)'' Stop a little, pray. (Exit.

Mrs. B. Where is she gone to now?

''Char. (returning with something in her lap.)'' Only to fetch my two black kittens. I bought them from a boy, as I went along, to save them from drowning. I could not curtsey to Mr. Baltimore, you know, with kittens in my lap, so I dropp'd them slyly under the hedge as I enter'd; for this fellow with the white spot on his nose makes a noise like a little devil. (They go arm in arm to the side of the stage to go out, when Mrs. B. looking behind her, stops short.)

Mrs. B. No, I must not walk farther with you