In love, indeed! Such a creature as that in love with me! I wonder, Mr. Dickenson, that a man of your sense and discretion should take upon you to bring such an oaf into genteel service. Wait till your master return; he'll not suffer such a shambling fellow in his house, I'll assure you.
CHARVILLE.
Mayhap measter may think better of me than you trow, gentlewoman.
SMOOTHLEY.
I trow this, however, that he'll make thee pay for thy prying. He likes that business himself too well to share it with thee, I can assure thee.
DICKENSON.
For shame, for shame! to put yourself in a passion for such trifles. Don't you hear the company coming from the dining room?
SMOOTHLEY.
Are they? (Snatches the work-bag from the chair, and exit.)
CHARVILLE (looking after her).
The fair, obliging, pretty-spoken Mrs. Smoothly! Heaven preserve us! What creatures we may find women to be when we get behind the curtain!—(To Dickenson). They're coming, you say. I'll retire to the darker end of the room; for Smitchenstault gave me such a look of ex-
