Mrs G (Advancing to me, and making a low curt’sey, with a most scornful and sarcastical air) May I presume to enquire what your mightiness’s pleasure is in regard to me? Do you intend to keep me for your nurse against your next illness, or to send me to the grand seignior’s seraglio to wait upon the first sultana?
Mr F Neither (carelessly, and looking another way). I have not yet determined which way I shall dispose of you.
Mrs G Dispose of me! dispose of me! why sure the man has lost his senses!
Mr F Look you, Mrs Gerrarde; we will no longer play at cross-purposes: sit down, and be calm for a few minutes, till you hear what I have to say.
(She did so, with a kind of impatience in her looks, that informed me I might have made a very free proposal, without any great danger of her resentment).
Mr F How long have you and I been acquainted?
Mrs G Lord! what is that question to the purpose?
Mr F ’Tis only in order to my desiring you would look back, and, upon recollection, ask yourself, if you ever had any reason to look upon me as your lover.
Mrs G I made that observation to you when we were travelling together: what is the use of it now?
Mr F Did I, in the course of our journey, declare myself to be such, or drop the least hint of devoting myself to you on any condition?