JOHN HOWARD PAYNE, WASHINGTON IRVING
153
none but the most innocent motives have brought us here—
Edw. Innocent motives bring you and the king, at night, to a tavern in Wapping, where there is a beautiful girl? Ah! my lord, my lord—
Roch. Nay, to convince you that you have nothing to fear, I permit you to remain with us—(aside) He may assist my scheme—(aloud) You must play off your character of music-master upon the king.
Edw. Impossible! His majesty will recognise my features.
Roch. Psha! you have not been a page a month; he probably has not seen your face three times. But take care how you act; the least indiscretion on your part—
Edw. Ah! my lord, I am too much interested in keeping the secret.
Roch. That is not all. In whatever situation the king may find himself, whatever chagrin he may suffer, I forbid you to assist him in the slightest manner. You are to see in him only the sailor, Jack Mizen.
Edw. Should his majesty chance to incur any danger, my lord, I can never be passive. In such case, I have but one course.
Roch. There can be no danger—I shall myself watch over his safety.
Edw. That decides me—I think I apprehend the object, and will obey your lordship.
Roch. The king approaches—Silence! let each resume his part.
(Enter Charles.)
Chas. Well, messmate, shall we soon see this marvellous beauty?
Edw. (apart). So—this is his majesty's innocent motive!
Roch. Peace, friend Jack, here's one of her admirers—her music-master—
Chas. Ah! you teach the young lady music, do you? (looking earnestly at him). Zounds! how like he is to the page you gave me lately.
Edw. (apart). Ah! my face strikes him.
Roch. Hum—I can't say I see much resemblance. He is taller than Edward, and older, and the expression of his countenance is not the same.
Chas. No, no, not altogether, but there is a something—
Roch. Why, to tell the truth, the page had a wild fellow for a father—and, your majesty knows, likenesses are stamped at random about the world sometimes.
Chas. (laughing). I understand—duplicate impressions—like enough.
(Enter Mary and Servant with Tea.)
Mary (to Servant). Set the table in this
room.
Chas. (to Rochester). By heaven, she's a divinity!
Edw. (low to Rochester). What does he
say?
Roch. (to Edw.). That your divinity is a devilish fine girl.
Chas. (to Rochester). Amuse this confounded singing-master. I wish to have a duo with his mistress.—He'll only mar music.
Roch. (to Edward, with an air of great business). My good Mr. Georgini, I have something particular to say to you—(drawing him to a corner). His majesty (suppressing a laugh) fancies that you are uncomfortable, and requests me to amuse you.
Edw. Yes, that he may have Mary all to himself—(Drawing near her.)
Roch. (drawing him back). Come, don't be childish. What, you pretend to follow my lessons, and want complaisance! (Charles has been making advances to Mary, who appears at first a little shy.)
Chas. Do let me assist you, my pretty lass.
Mary. Don't trouble yourself, sir; Mr. Georgini is to help me make tea.
Edw. (breaking from Rochester). I am here, madam—what can I do to help you?
Chas. (puts the kettle, as if accidentally, against his hand. Dryly). Take care, young man, you may scald your fingers.
Roch. (drawing Edward back, and speaking low). Why, what a plague, boy, are you doing?
(Charles continues to assist Mary, mingling little gallantries, and blundering in attempts to assist.)
Edw. (aside, and struggling with Rochester). I shall go mad!
Mary. Oh, dear sir, you're so kind, you quite put me out—(laughing)—hey!—you have taken my hand instead of the teapot. I will not say you are awkward, sir, but really, you have the oddest manner of assisting—nay—let go my hand, I beg.
Chas. By Heaven, it is a beautiful one!
Mary. Nay, nay—pray, sir—(withdrawing her hand with smiling confusion).
