Then I must indeed be presumptuous, for positively I will see it. (Taking hold of her hand, whilst she, struggling to pull it away from him without effect, at last, in her distress, gives him with the other hand a good box on the ear, and then, bursting into tears, throws herself into the next chair, and covers her face with both her hands.) My dear Miss Martin forgive me! I fear I have behaved ungenerously to you: but believe me, careless as I may have appeared, I have beheld you with the most passionate admiration.(Kneeling at her feet.)
MISS MARTIN(turning from him disdainfully).
Get up. Sir John, and find out some amusement more becoming your understanding and your years.
(Walks to the bottom of the stage with assumed dignity, whilst Sir John sits down much agitated on a chair on the front: she, turning round, perceives his agitation, and forgetting her displeasure, runs up to him eagerly.)
MISS MARTIN.
Good heaven! is it possible that you are thus affected. What is it that disturbs you so much?
SIR JOHN HAZELWOOD.
A very foolish distress, madam, but it will not long disturb me.
