Squire.—Off he starts again. There goes the strut—up goes the nose—the lesson is lost. (To Mrs. Felton) Madam, now that we have arranged for the masquerade, banish your sorrows: forget the trials of the day in the pleasures of the evening. Your daughter knows her part well; she will personate Dorothy in her conversation with Dingle, until all unmask.
Dorothy.—And my voice will convince him that I am his delinquent tenant.
Em’ly.—Dorothy, dear, do you really think Miss Philp will not recognize this dress?
Dorothy.—She will be too eager to be seen by Morley
Dingle, Esquire, to even waste a thought on the toilet of any one save her precious self. [All listen.]
Weatherspout (From without).—This way, Leslie, this way; I’ve not forgotten the art of climbing rail fences, even if I am seventy-five.
Squire.—My old friend Weatherspout, as I live!
[Enter Weatherspout].
Weatherspout (Pausing on the threshold). I—I—beg pardon!
Squire.—Come in, my long-tried friend.