Enter Miss Alton.
Miss Alscrip, you have certainly the most elegant companion in the world.
Miss Als. Dear, do you think so? an ungain, dull sort of a body, in my mind; but we'll try her in the present business. Miss Alton, you must do me a favour.—I want to plague my husband that is to be—you must take my part—you must double me like a second actress at Paris, when the first has the vapours.
Miss Alton. Really, madam, the task you would impose upon me—
Miss Als. Will be a great improvement to you, and quite right for me.—Don't be grave, Lady Emily—[Whose attention is fixed on Miss Alton.] Your brother's penance shall be short, and I'll take the reconciliation scene upon myself.
Lady E. [Endeavouring to recover herself.] I cannot but pity him; especially as I am sure, that do what you will, he will always regard you with the same eyes. And so, my sweet sister, I leave him to your mercy, and to that of your representative, whose disposition, if I have any judgment, is ill suited to a task of severity.
Mrs. Blandish. Dear Lady Emily, carry me away with you. When a lover is coming, it shall never be said I am in the way.
Lady E. [Looking at Miss Alton.—Aside.] What a painful suspense am I to suffer? another instant, and I shall betray myself—adieu, Miss Alscrip.
Miss Als. Call Lady Emily's servants.
Lady E. You sha'n't stir—remember nimini primini. I am at your orders.