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the side of her hat, she pushes it away with pretended coyness.) How can you be so childish! he, he, he!

''Sea. (gravely.)'' Won't you let me pick a caterpillar from your ribband?

Lady S. (looking foolish and disappointed.) O! is that it? I am much obliged to you: but you are always so good, so tenderly attentive to me! Indeed this little hand was well bestow'd upon you, Seabright: I wish it had convey'd to you a better gift when it gave away myself. (thrusting out a great brown hand to him.)

''Sea. (raising it to his lips with affected tenderness.) What could it possibly convey, my dear Lady Sarah, more—(stopping short as he is about to kiss it.)'' Is that a family ring upon your finger?

Lady S. Yes, it was my mother's: why so?

Sea. The arms of the Highcastles' are upon it: Lord Highcastle then is your relation?

Lady S. I am nearly related to him.

''Sea. (with his countenance brightening.)'' I did not know this: by my soul I am glad of it! He is in credit with the minister: you are on good terms with him, I hope.

Lady S. Yes, I have always taken pains to be upon terms with him.

Sea. I dare say you have; I dare say you have: you have so much prudence, and so many good qualities, my dear love! (kissing her hand with great alacrity.)

Lady S. O it is all your blind partiality! (putting her hand tenderly upon his shoulder.) Do you know,