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what can bring him here: can he be coming after you, Miss Sophy? (with a significant smile.)

Soph. Now don't say so, nurse, for you know I can't bear it.

''Soph. (aside.)'' O don't go, nurse!

Sir C. Lady Sarah has had the goodness, Miss Seabright, to send to you a very willing messenger, who is happy to find any pretence in the world to present himself before you.

''Nurse. (aside to'' Sofia.) It is just as I said. (aloud to Sir C.) Meaning yourself, Sir?

Sir C. Yes; well guess'd, nurse! you are cunning enough I see: you have the true sagacity about you that becomes your occupation; and I doubt not that your young lady has profited by your very instructive society. Now that you have found out the messenger, perhaps she may guess what his errand is. (with an affected leer.)

''Nurse. (aside to Sophia, who shrinks back still more.)'' Ay, it is very like courting I assure you.

Sir C. (advancing as she recedes.) Will not Miss Seabright do me the honour to bestow one thought upon it? I cannot doubt of her ability to guess my errand, if she will have the condescension.

''Nurse. (aside to'' Soph.) Yes, yes! it is the very thing; I have heard many a courtship begin after this fashion.