MARIA.

He's very happy indeed--you have a pleasant sortof Place here I guess? Did you circulate the Report of Lady Brittle'sIntrigue with Captain Boastall? MARIA.

[Aside.]. LADY SNEERWELL.

What's this, Pray--do you take her for me!--Child youare wanted in the next Room.--What's all this, pray--. [Exit MAID.]. SIR PETER. Thank you Madam--but don't flatter yourself for thoughyour ill-conduct may disturb my Peace it shall never break my HeartI promise you--however I am equally obliged to you for the Hint. He generally calls about this Time.I don't wonder at People's giving him to me for a Lover. Then you must know that I have a devilish rich unclein the East Indies, Sir Oliver Surface, from whom I have the greatestexpectations? Pray Sir Peter, now oblige me.--I am really too muchaffected by the subject we have been speaking of to bestow a thoughton my own concerns--The Man who is entrusted with his Friend'sDistresses can never----. I'll not part with poor Noll. You should find fault with the Climate, and notwith me. And you prophesied right--and we shall certainly nowbe the happiest couple----, SIR PETER.

SIR PETER. Odds life! Very well, sir, I take him at that. Aye there again--Taste! SIR PETER. Surface. CRABTREE. CARELESS. SURFACE. SURFACE. SIR OLIVER. CHARLES. SURFACE.

Premium's a stranger. 'Tis very true, Ma'am--everything is fixed and thewedding Livery bespoke. [In the Closet!] Ah!

his famous uncle Richardfor ten pounds!--[Aloud.] Yes, yes, here's a list of your generation indeed;--faith, Charles, this is the most convenient thing you could havefound for the business, for 'twill not only serve as a hammer,but a catalogue into the bargain. Yes, I know she almost lives on acids and small whey--laces herself by pulleys and often in the hottest noon of summeryou may see her on a little squat Pony, with her hair plaited upbehind like a Drummer's and puffing round the Ring on a full trot. Ah you are of a moral turn Mrs. Candour and can sitfor an hour to hear Lady Stucco talk sentiments. I dare swear you have, ma'am: it goes of a Night,and comes again in the morning.

MRS. CANDOUR. Going! LADY TEAZLE. But He wouldn't sell my Picture. SURFACE. Yes and they say there were pressing reasons for't. Premium to come up with----. No--no--my dear--the fault's in your own temper. SIR OLIVER.

Let me see, two-thirdsof these five hundred and thirty odd pounds are mine by right.Fore Heaven! SIR BENJAMIN.

Harkee--I heard the Bell--I believe, Gentlemen I can nowintroduce you--don't forget the annuity little Moses. Good day!Come, Moses.--[Aside.]

'Tis so but in my opinion, those who report such thingsare equally culpable.

I first read it about thirty-five years ago in a drama class at university, and loved it then. Oh dear Sir--Trifles--Trifles.

Aye and what is very extraordinary in all our disputesshe is always in the wrong! SIR PETER. There's no need--the Principal is Christian. No--I am sure I don't--but if you will be so peevish----. LADY TEAZLE.

CHARLES. Well but this may be all mistake--You know,Sir Benjamin very trifling circumstances often give rise tothe most injurious Tales. No to be sure--then I'd forgive their malice--but to attack me, who am really so innocent--and who never sayan ill-natured thing of anybody--that is, of any Friend--!and then Sir Peter too--to have him so peevish--and so suspicious--when I know the integrity of my own Heart--indeed 'tis monstrous. SIR OLIVER. Well--but--how must I talk[?]

So he says. Doubtless, Ma'am--a very great one. SIR OLIVER. Yes--if He has merit enough to deserve them. 'Sdeath, madam, will you betray me! SIR PETER.