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PATERSON.

Ay; that was about the time when our young lady——

COLONEL FRANKLAND.

Don't speak of that; I can't bear it.

PATERSON.

I crave your honour's pardon; I might have known as much. But when you talk cheerily to me, I always, somehow or other, forget myself.

Enter Sir John Crofton, and Paterson retires.

COLONEL FRANKLAND.

Your servant, Sir John. You are, in the true etiquette of a lover, I see, somewhat before your time.

SIR JOHN.

Call it not so, Colonel. What has made it etiquette to all, but the natural haste and ardour of real lovers? and of my pretensions to be considered as one of the last class, I hope in good time to convince you.

COLONEL FRANKLAND.

Convince the lady, Sir John; and if the conviction should please her, I must be content. I will not thwart her inclinations.