This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
THE ALIENATED MANOR: A COMEDY.
221


CHARVILLE (looking after them).

Yes, she will lead him as she pleases. How coaxingly, how bewitchingly she speaks to him! Ah, how it once bewitched me! she is speaking so close to his face, to the old, withered, hateful visage of Crafton—is she thus with every man? is she altogether shameless? Oh, oh, oh! this is not to be endured.

SIR LEVEL (returning from the other end of the room).

It is provoking enough; I'm sure.

CHARVILLE.

Ha! you are here: I thought you were——Yes, I have been really provoked; for he seems indifferent, and I don't know how, in this business.

SIR LEVEL.

He wants to buy the estate as a profitable speculation: he despises our improvements; he even laughs at my plan, and holds taste itself in derision.—Look here; I spread it out before him——

CHARVILLE.

Well, well; another time if you please: not now, I pray (putting it away with his hand).

SIR LEVEL.

But do me the favour only to observe—stone-headed fellow! He would let the savage brush-