Hol. (aside.) Ah! Ah! she has not insulted me by offering me money.

[Exit, C.

Con. What and who is this Mr. Holder?

Fle. A copyist; he is often here. You have produced a singular effect upon him.

Con. Then I am to understand that but for the intercession of this good creature I should have received by post, stamped at its full value, the gracious compliment.

Fle. On second thoughts I might not have sent my letter.

Con. The fact is that you are like Macbeth, “Letting, I dare not, wait upon I would.” My dear sir, between ourselves, you want it here (touching her forehead); you do indeed!

Fle. Confess, now, that you rehearsed to-day on purpose to turn the whole piece into ridicule.

Con. Well, and if I did—the piece deserves it? A father—a daughter—the old story, old as the world.

Fle. What matters, if the situations are new.