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THE COUNTRY INN.


WILL.

Your Ladyship had better take hold of my arm, and I'll take you safe out.

LADY GOODBODY.

Do take me out! do take me out! Fire! fire! fire! is there nobody coming to us? (Takes hold of Will's arm, who staggers along with her first to one side of the stage, and then to the other.) Why, what are you about, fellow? I'll get better along by myself.

WILL.

Never fear! never fear! I'll warrant I'll take care of your Ladyship.

LADY GOODBODY.

Why don't you go faster then? Let go my arm, I say. Is the fellow mad or drunk?

WILL.

I'll take care of your Ladyship. Old ladies are often a stumbling: take good care of your feet, madam.

LADY GOODBODY.

Look to your own feet, fool! and let me alone. The man's distracted! let go my arm, I say. (She struggles to get free: he keeps fast hold of her, and hobbles zig-zag over the stage, she all the while calling