honour? you will confer upon me that infinite obligation? Adieu, adieu!
[Exit, hurrying off, and passingBlountwithout notice, who has entered towards the end of her rhapsody, and drawn himself up by the wall to let her pass.]
BLOUNT (coming forward).
It is best to reef one's sails when a hurricane is abroad.
SIR JOHN.
Why did you not speak to her, Blount? She is your old acquaintance.
BLOUNT.
I have known a lady called Miss Gozling, in whose presence I have stood undismayed; but I must take to my studies, I trow, before I accost my Lady Worrymore.
SIR JOHN.
That is prudent, Frank; you are rather far behind in book-learning.
MISS FRANKLAND (glancing atClermont).
And have not yet penned a sonnet, I believe.
BLOUNT.
Faith, I don't know a sonnet from a roundelay; but I shall qualify myself to compose both very expertly, before I become a candidate for her favour.
