MRS. C. Yes; but only on business.
WOOD. Of course—only on business. (aside) What an atrocious humbug I am!
MRS. C. And therefore it will be quite as much a novelty to him as to you.
WOOD. Yes. (aside) Novelty! to a man who has had twenty years of it! I’m in for it—I’m booked for a second innings. Never mind: there’s one point on which they’ll find me firm and immovable as Gibraltar itself, and that is, that having already paid two visits to the——
Enter MRS. LARKINGS in travelling dress, door R. 2 E.
MRS. L. (R. C.) Well, good people? but I needn’t ask—I see by your happy faces (WOODCOCK puts on a grin) that my plan of the campaign has met with universal approbation.
MRS. C. (R.) Yes, we’re all charmed with it! Mr. Woodcock especially! he positively can’t find words to express his delight!
MRS. L. (L. C.) Is it to be wondered at, that having hitherto led so calm, so tranquil, so sedate a life, (looking with intention at WOODCOCK) he should long to taste the forbidden fruit? ha, ha! My only fear is, that when he once begins there’ll be no stopping him! ha, ha, ha!
WOOD. (L.) Ha, ha, ha! (making a savage face at MRS. LARKINGS, aside)