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THE ALIENATED MANOR: A COMEDY.

155

MRS. CHARVILLE.

O the charming preceptor!

SMITCHENSTAULT (bowing conceitedly).

O, dear Madam! I am de poor unwordy.

MRS. CHARVILLE.

Say not unwordy, my dear Sir; don't, I pray you, do yourself that wrong.

SMITCHENSTAULT (bowing again).

You are very good. But if dere be in me any ting good, any ting noble, any ting amiable, it be all from de passion of mine heart,—dat dear passion dat do make me, one poor philosopher, become like de lofty hero.

MRS. CHARVILLE.

O the surprising transformation! if one's eyes were but gifted enough to perceive it.

SMITCHENSTAULT (turning again to Mary).

And you do know dat I have de tender heart?

MARY.

I have not quite so much penetration; but I really know that you are very polite and obliging; and perhaps you will have the goodness to hold this skein of silk whilst I wind it.

SMITCHENSTAULT.

De very great honour. (Holding out his hands, upon which she puts the skein.)