PENDULOUS
A hint!
MISS FLYN
Yes, of our unfortunate embarrassment.
PENDULOUS
My letter!
MISS FLYN
I thought it as well that she should know it at first.
PENDULOUS 'Tis mighty well, madam. 'Tis as it should be. I was ordained to be a wretched laughing-stock to all the world; and it is fit that our drabs and our servant wenches should have their share of the amusement.
BETTY Marry come up! Drabs and servant wenches! and this from a person in his circumstances!
(Betty flings herself out of the room, muttering.)
MISS FLYN I understand not this language. I was prepared to give my Pendulous a tender meeting. To assure him, that however, in the eyes of the superficial and the censorious, he may have incurred a partial degradation, in the esteem of one, at least, he stood as high as ever. That it was not in the power of a ridiculous accident, involving no guilt, no shadow of imputation, to separate two hearts, cemented by holiest vows, as ours have been. This untimely repulse to my affections may awaken scruples in me, which hitherto, in tenderness to you, I have suppressed.
PENDULOUS I very well understand what you call tenderness, madam; but in some situations, pity—pity—is the greatest insult.
MISS FLYN I can endure no longer. When you are in a calmer mood, you will be sorry that you have wrung my heart so. [Exit.]