Dove. But my dear, if you don’t let me practise, how am I ever to enquire the art?
Mrs. Dove. Acquire, verb active, to gain; inquire, verb neuter, to ask questions—acquire the art.
Dove. Acquire the hart!
Mrs. Dove. Don’t aspirate, love.
Dove. Oh, bother, dear.
Mrs. Ly. Let me beg of you not to allude to this young person till after dinner, I will then lead the conversation to that subject—and then I hope you will freely and truly state all that you may know respecting her.
Enter LYNX, R. H.
Lynx. Emmeline, I—(Seeing DOVE and his wife.)—What! the mystery is now clear—that woman has traced me—has told my wife, but my secret is safe.
Mrs. Dove. Ah, Mr. Lynx, how d’ye do?—surprised to see me here, no doubt?
Lynx. No, madam—no.