Mrs. M. Sir, you overpower me with good breeding. [Aside.] He is the very pineapple of politeness! You are not ignorant, Captain, that this giddy girl has, somehow, contrived to fix her affections on a beggarly, strolling, eavesdropping ensign, whom none of us have seen, and nobody knows anything of.
Capt. A. Oh, I have heard the silly affair before. I’m not at all prejudiced against her on that account. But it must be very distressing, indeed, to you, ma’am.
Mrs. M. Oh, it gives me the hydrostatics to such a degree!—I thought she had persisted from corresponding with him; but, behold, this very day, I have interceded another letter from the fellow—I believe I have it in my pocket.
Capt. A. My last note! [Aside.]
Mrs. M. Ay, here it is.
Capt. A. Oh, the little traitress, Lucy!
Mrs. M. There, perhaps you may know the writing. [Gives him the letter.]
Capt. A. I think I have seen the hand before—yes, I certainly must have seen this hand before.
Mrs. M. Nay, but read it, Captain.
Capt. A. [reads.] “My soul’s idol, my adored Lydia!” Very tender, indeed!