My health! Another of your tricks, Longman, I’ll be sworn. You must be mad: I’m perfectly well.
Body-Servant:
Your lordship had a chill last week and Lady Pembroke made me promise——
Herbert:
[Waives him to silence.] Bah, bah! [The Servant bows and steps back.] I expect a lady this afternoon; the same who came the other day: you know, tall and dark; bring her to me here, and then you are free to write to my lady mother and tell her I have a tingling ear—the right one—don’t forget. [The Servant bows and retires backward. Herbert recalls him.] And, Longman, tell the other servants I’m not to be disturbed. [Exit Servant. Lord Herbert goes over to a mirror and arranges his slight moustache, runs his fingers through his hair, then picks up a sword and makes imaginary passes with it; at length takes up a book, throws himself into a chair and begins to read. A few moments pass; a discreet knock is heard at the door. Miss Fitton enters, Herbert reads on, till she stands before him and puts her hand on his book. He jumps to his feet.] I am sorry, Mary. [Kissing her.] I did not hear you. I was reading an old love-story, the story of Achilles and the Siege of Troy. Won’t you sit?
Miss Fitton:
And our love-story is not a month old. A month ago and you would have been waiting at the door for me; but now—— [Sighs.]
Herbert:
I was waiting there to-day; but you are very late, and one cannot play sentinel for ever. Have you heard the news? No! Lady Joan instead of curing Lacy, has caught his trick of speech, and her quaint words and demure air set everyone roaring.
Miss Fitton: