FANNY. Yes; but don’t talk, Robert is looking.

ROBERT. Here, Fanny, help me to move this sofa. How remarkably heavy it is; it feels heavier than usual.

FANNY. Heavy! I think it feels lighter than usual. Oh dear! there that will do.

Enter HOLDFAST, MRS. FACILE, JULIA, and FABLE, R. Exit ROBERT, L.

FABLE. A delightful family; the young lady evidently voted me a bore every time I opened my mouth, and the old man calls ancient traditions a humbug. (aside.) Goths!

HOLD. You must be hungry, sir—have an appetite for your supper.

FABLE. Why, to tell you the truth, I am rather so; have not tasted a morsel since one o’clock.

HOLD. Fortunate! we have a game supper to-night—grouse and ptarmigan, which I think you’ll enjoy.

FABLE. (aside.) That’s the first pleasant thing I’ve heard since I came here.

EUCLID. (aside.) But I have no appetite.