Page:Passions 2.pdf/37

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''An open lane near a country town. Enter Baltimore, who passes half way across the stage, and then stopping suddenly, shrinks back.''

Balt. Ha, It is him!—I'll turn and go another way. (Turns hastily back again, and then stops short.) No, no, he sha'n't see me avoiding him. I'll follow Truebridge's advice, and be civil to him.—(Enter Freeman bowing with stiff civility) Good morning, Sir.

Free. And the same to you, Mr. Baltimore: how does your Lady do?

Balt. And your amiable lady, Mr. Freeman; she is a great scholar I hear.

''Free. (with his face brightening up.)'' You are very good to say so; she does indeed know some few things pretty well; and though we are rivals for the present, why shouldn't we act liberally and speak handsomely of one another at the same time? Does Mrs. Baltimore like pine-apples as well as she used to do?

''Balt. (shrinking back.)'' No she dislikes them very much.

Free. Don't say so now! I believe you don't like me to send them to you, but if you would just send over for them yourself when she wants them, I have mountains of them at her service.

''Balt. (with a contemptuous smile.)'' Shall I send a tumbrel for them to-morrow morning? (Free. draws