[While the ladies are pressing about MR. H., the gentlemen show signs of displeasure.
1st Gent. We shan't be able to edge in a word, now this coxcomb is come.
2d Gent. Damn him, I will affront him.
1st Gent. Sir, with your leave, I have a word to say to one of these ladies.
2d Gent. If we could be heard—
[The Ladies pay no attention but to MR. H.
Mr. H. You see, gentlemen, how the matter stands. (Hums an air.) I am not my own master: positively I exist and breathe but to be agreeable to these—Did you speak?
1st Gent. And affects absence of mind—Puppy!
Mr. H. Who spoke of absence of mind; did you, Madam? How do you do, Lady Wearwell—how do? I did not see your ladyship before—what was I about to say—O—absence of mind. I am the most unhappy dog in that way, sometimes spurt out the strangest things—the most mal-à-propos—without meaning to give the least offence, upon my honor—sheer absence of mind—things I would have given the world not to have said.
1st Gent. Do you hear the coxcomb?