Miss Mac. Come, come, my dear, come to your room. (Crosses to L.) I am very happy that this sad flirtation is at an end—I suspected you were both exceeding the bounds of discretion; and when you have gained my experience, you will regard all men with the same stern antipathy that I do! Come, come, don’t cry, dear. We are going out to tea, and you mustn’t cry. Weep for the loss of your kitten—the death of your bird—the spoiling of a new dress—but scorn to shed one tear for the loss of a man! It is quite useless; for the monster always carries such a large umbrella of selfishness, that the most pelting shower of tears can never, never penetrate him! Come, come.
[Exit, leading off MISS MEADOWS.
[SCENE II.]—A room at MISS SNARE’S—two chairs.
Enter PINKEY and NIGGLE, F.E.R.
Pin. Before the company comes, I really do want your advice on the matter. You have had experience with the ladies, Mr. Niggle—you have often popped in your time, I’ll be bound. Pray tell me how do you begin? Give me a lesson in the art.
Nig. First get a favourable opportunity.
Pin. All in the dark, eh? While you are talking, snuff out the candles, and then, eh?
Nig. No, no, there may seem too much of jest in that. Contrive some moonlight walk with your lady; or manage to be sitting alone with her on some lovely autumn evening, in the light of the sinking sun, when all nature seems going to repose. I popped to my first love on just such an evening, and had to fight her brother on a wet foggy morning a month afterwards!
Pin. I’d rather not fight any brothers—I only want to pop to the sister; I don’t want any brothers to be popping at me in return! Oh, no.
Nig. Get your charmer near the window, looking over a garden if possible.