Page:Passions 2.pdf/421

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''Soph. (to Sir C. very much embarrassed and frightened.)'' I—I—I'm sure I don't know.

Sir C. (still advancing towards her as she recedes, with a more intolerable leer on his face.) Nay, do have the goodness to give me this proof of the skill you have acquired in this refined academy of improvement, and tell me on what errand I am come.

''Soph. (becoming angry.)'' I'm sure I don't know, unless it be to make a fool of me, and I don't think I need to stay any longer for that purpose. (runs out.)

''Nurse. (running after her.)'' Don't run, Miss Sophy! he is a good looking gentleman, and very civil spoken too. (Exit.

Sir C. (looking after them.) Ha, ha, ha!

Sharp. You are merry, Sir: I believe I can guess what amuses you.

Sir C. I dare say thou canst, Sharp; it is easy enough to see what they have got into their foolish heads. Ha, ha, ha! does the political Lady Sarah think to put off her troublesome nursery girl upon Crafty Supplecoat. But let me encourage the mistake for a little, it will strengthen my interest with Lord Allcrest, which at present is necessary to me. Thou understand'st me, Sharp.

Sharp. Yes, yes, Sir; and you will have little trouble in keeping it up, for the servants, thanks to Mrs. Pry's gossiping, who is in her lady's secrets, have got it so strongly into their heads, that if you but pick up the young lady's glove when she