Punch, or the London Charivari, Vol. 98, April 26 1890

ACT. II.—Scene— Same as in Act I.; viz., the Morning-room at Natterjack Hall. Evening of same day. Enter Blethers.
Blethers. Another of Sir Poshbury's birthdays almost gone—and my secret still untold! ( Dodders. ) I can't keep it up much longer ... Ha, here comes his Lordship—he does look mortal bad, that he do! Miss Verbena ain't treated him too well, from all I can hear, poor young feller!
Enter Lord Bleshugh.
Lord Bleshugh. Blethers, by the memory of the innumerable half-crowns that have passed between us, be my friend now! I have no others left. Persuade your young Mistress to come hither—you need not tell her I am here, you understand. Be discreet, and this florin shall be yours!
Blethers. Leave it to me, my Lord. I'd tell a lie for less than that, any day, old as I am!
Lord Bl. I cannot rest till I have heard from her own lips that the past few hours have been nothing but a horrible dream ... She is coming! Now for the truth!
Verbena. Papa, did you want me? ( Recognises Lord B.—controls herself to a cold formality. ) My Lord, to what do I owe this—this unexpected intrusion?
Lord Bl. Verbena, tell me, you cannot really prefer that seedy snob in the burst boots to me?
Verb. (aside). How can I tell him the truth without betraying dear Papa? No, I must lie, though it kills me. ( To Lord B.) Lord Bleshugh, I have been trifling with you. I—I never loved you.
Lord B. I see, and all the while your heart was given to a howling cad?
Verb. And if it was, who can account for the vagaries of a girlish fancy! We women are capricious beings, you know. ( With hysterical gaiety. ) But you are unjust to Mr. Spiker—he has not yet howled in my presence—(aside)—though I very nearly did in his !