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back the crowd of servants, who are seen pressing in at the door.)

Rob. Get along all of you! his honour won't be disturb'd. (Exeunt; a great clamour heard as they retire.)

SCENE IV. Lady Sarah's ''dressing-room. Enter Lady Sarah, followed by Sophia, carrying a work-basket in her hand, which she sets upon a work-table and sits down to work.''

Lady S. (sitting down by her.) Now I hope, Miss Seabright, I may flatter myself with having more of your company this morning than you generally favour me with. If Lord Allcrest does not come at an early hour, we shall have time for a good deal of work. When a young lady is industrious, and is not always reading nonsensical books, or running up and down after children, or watering two or three foolish flower-pots on her window, she can do a great many things for herself, that enable her to appear better dress'd than girls who are more expensive. (pausing.) You don't answer me.

Soph. Indeed, Ma'am, I had better not, for I don't know what to say.

Lady S. You are a very prudent young lady, indeed, to make that a reason for holding your tongue.

Soph. It is a reason, indeed, which elder ladies do not always attend to.