PLATO. We shall have the pleasure of meeting Lady Evergreen, I hope.
SIR W. Certainly—her ladyship is present. You have heard of my choice, and will, I trust, overlook any gaucherie—any——
PLATO. Certainly! I’ve considered the matter, and as there is now no help for it, why, what can’t be cured—I need say no more.
SIR W. Lady Evergreen, permit me to introduce you to my excellent uncle, Lord Plato, and to Lady Plato.
MARGERY is introduced with some ceremony—On curtseying to LADY PLATO she suddenly stops and stares at her.
MAR. Lord, it’s Polly! Oh, Polly dear, is it you? Oh! how glad I am to see you. Well now, only to think!
LADY P. My dear old friend!
MAR. It is she! Oh, I’m so glad! Oh! that I should see you again—oh my gemini! (to SIR WILLIAM) My dear, she’s my old, my dear, my dearest friend—she was at school at the big house where I used to take fruit from the farm to all the girls, and she took a fancy to me—didn’t you, Polly? and I took a fancy to her, and we used to play together, and sing together, and then she came to my father’s and stopped a whole month when she had the measles. Oh dear! oh! I’m going to cry now—I’m so happy.
SIR W. (to LADY PLATO) Old acquaintance I perceive, my lady.
LADY P. Indeed we are! I cannot express the pleasure, the delight I experience at once more meeting the playmate of my infancy.