Miss Sna. I trust that I possess the candle of the sage, and have used it with more success than he did.
Boss. How?
Miss Sna. That with its light I have discovered in you, not only an honest, but an elegant man. (Crosses to L.)
Boss. You’re a divinity!
Miss Sna. Oh!
Boss. You are; and as I am no stoic, I must have a kiss. (Offers to kiss her.)
Miss Sna. (Repulsing him with great dignity.) Sir, that is a liberty I do not allow—there are certain bounds to familiarity, which once passed, we are in the highway of contempt. We have merely been friends, not lovers. You could not venture on a greater piece of indecorum, even after an accepted proposal! Good evening sir!
[Exit D.F., courtesying.
Boss. How very odd! This is the effect of dining with Pinkey, and yielding to a generous impulse. I hope she’s not seriously offended—hang it, I shall be wretched without her; for I have never before felt so at home and so perfectly amused, as I have been in her society. What can it mean? very strange. The fact is, I think the women are pleasant creatures after all; and I’ve not been sufficiently alive to their qualities! I’ll try another—I’ll see who else I can take to this party—must have a lady on my arm it seems. Perhaps Miss Snare will forgive me. If she’s in her parlour, I’ll tap at the door, and threaten to cut my throat if she don’t; for upon my life I feel miserable enough to do it—fact! (Takes out a pocket glass and adjusts his hair.) No, I couldn’t! (Regarding himself in the glass.) No, my fine fellow—now I look at you again, under no circumstances could I do that! (Admiring himself.) Upon my soul I couldn’t—it would be a pity! No, no, don’t be afraid, my man, I’ll take every care of you, as long as I live.
[Exit D.F.