Pereg. Perhaps I'm a quack doctor, in want of a Jack Pudding.—Will you engage with me?
Shuff. Damn me if this is to be borne.—Sir, the correction I must give you, will—
Pereg. [With Coolness.] Desist, young man, in time, or you may repent your petulance.
Mary. [Coming between them.] Oh, gentlemen! pray, pray don't—I am so frightened! Indeed, sir, you mistake. [To Peregrine.] This gentleman has been so good to me!
[Pointing to Shuffleton.
Pereg. Prove it, child, and I shall honour him.
Mary. Indeed, indeed he has.—Pray, pray don't quarrel! when two such generous people meet, it would be a sad pity. See, sir, [To Peregrine.] he has recommended me to a place in London;—here's the letter to the good lady, an elderly lady, in Marybone parish! and so kind, sir, every body, that knows her, calls her mother.
Pereg. [Looking at the superscription.] Infamous! sit down, and compose yourself, my love;—the gentleman and I shall soon come to an understanding. One word, sir: [Mary sits at the back of the Scene, the Men advance.] I have lived long in India;—but the flies, who gad thither, buzz in our ears, till we learn what they have blown upon in England. I have heard of the wretch, in whose house you meant to place that unfortunate.
Shuff. Well! and you meant to place her in snugger lodgings, I suppose?
Pereg. I mean to place her where——