Page:A memoir of Jane Austen (Fourth Edition).pdf/64

This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.

Young Hum. I am, sir, and will certainly act in the manner you have pointed out to me.

Old Hum. Then let us return to the house. [Exeunt.

SCENE II.-A parlour in HUMBUG's house. Mrs. HUMBUG and FANNY discovered at work.

Mrs. Hum. You understand me, my love?

Fanny. Perfectly, ma'am: pray continue your narration.

Mrs. Hum. Alas! it is nearly concluded; for I have nothing more to say on the subject.

Fanny. Ah! here is Daphne.

Enter DAPHNE,

Daphne. My dear Mrs. Humbug, how d'ye do? Oh Fanny, it is all over.

Fanny. Is it indeed!

Mrs. Hum. I'm very sorry to hear it.

Fanny. Then 'twas to no purpose that I-------

Daphne. None upon earth.

Mrs. Hum. And what is to become of--------?

Daphne. Oh! 'tis all settled. (Whispers Mrs. HUMBUG.)

Fanny. And how is it determined?

Daphne. I'll tell you. (Whispers FANNY.)

Mrs. Hum. And is he to-------?

Daphne. I'll tell you all I know of the matter. (Whispers Mrs. HUMBUG and FANNY.)

Fanny. Well, now I know everything about it, I'll go away.

Mrs. Hum. And so will I. [Exeunt. Daphne.

SCENE III.-The curtain rises, and discovers Sir EDWARD SPANGLE reclined in an elegant attitude on a sofa fast asleep.

Enter Col. ELLIOTT.

Col. E. My daughter is not here, I see. There lies Sir