ROYS. So much the better! I should make it my immediate business to sweep him off the face of the earth!
JOSEPHINE (to BARTON, in a sarcastic tone). And you, sir! you can listen with perfect calmness, indifference! Have you nothing to say?
ROYS. Yes! Have you nothing?—
BART. (aside to him). Hold your tongue! (Aloud, and with affected solemnity.) Ah! who can anticipate events? How little do we know what a few hours may bring forth!
ROYS. Yes! how little do we know!—
BART. (aside to him again). Hold your tongue! (Aloud.) In a word, what if circumstances compel me to leave England for a considerable time?
JOSEPHINE. A considerable time?
BART. Yes; for two years at least—possibly more!
JOSEPHINE. Two or three years?
BART. Could I venture to hope that you would submit to such a tax on your goodness—your patience?