Page:Passions 2.pdf/451

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SCENE II. The servants' hall; and Robert ''discovered pulling some clothes out of a bag, and laughing to himself as he looks at them. Enter'' cook-maid.

Cook. Are you here, Robert?

Rob. Yes, beef-drippings, what do you want?

Cook. It is ghost-time, don't you know? and your night tor it too.

Rob. Indeed!

Cook. Ay, indeed! I groan'd last night, and Gardener the night before; so e'en take your own turn when it comes to you; you was the first contriver of the plot.

Rob. Why don't you see me preparing, hussy? I'm going to dress myself up this very night for the grand contasterfy, as a learned person would call it.

''Cook. (clapping her hands.)'' O griskins and gravy, but that be delightful! Are you to appear to her to-night?

Rob. Yes, wench; for my master is in town, and is not expected back before to-morrow. (Holding out the clothes.) How do you like this black robe? Has it not a smack of the devil in it?

Cook. Black! I thought you were to have been all in white, like my late lady, and to have threaten'd her for being so unkind to the children.

Rob. So I intended, Deborah; but I don't know how, a qualm came across my heart, and would