Page:Passions 2.pdf/379

Rh

Gar. I crave your worship's pardon! I should have whined a little, to be sure, to have been better company to you. (looking off the stage.) But here comes a good man who frowns upon nobody; the worthy rector of Easterdown: I'll go and bid him welcome; for he likes to see a poor fellow hold up his head before him, and speak to him like a man.

Rob. You bid him welcome, indeed! stand out of the way: I'll bid him welcome myself. He is as good as my ownNo matter what. He is married to my good mistress's sister; ay, and his own father christen'd me too. I'm glad, he is come. You go to him indeed! O Sir! you're welcome to this sad place.

Bea. I thank you, honest Robert; how do you do?

Rob. So, so; I'm obliged to you for the favour of asking. Woe is me, Sir! but this be a sad place since you came last among us.

Bea. A sad change, indeed, my good friend, and you seem to have felt it too. You look thin and alter'd, Robert.

Rob. I ha'n't been very merry of late, and that makes a body look(passing his hand across his eyes.)

''Bea. (shaking his head.)'' Ay, what must thy poor master be then, since it is even so with thee? Poor man, it grieved me to think that I could not be with him on the first shock of his distress, but