Mrs. MALAPROP
Ay, here it is.
ABSOLUTE
[Aside.] Ay, my note indeed! O the little traitress Lucy.
Mrs. MALAPROP
There, perhaps you may know the writing. [Gives him the letter.]
ABSOLUTE I think I have seen the hand before—yes, I certainly must have seen this hand before——
Mrs. MALAPROP
Nay, but read it, captain.
ABSOLUTE
[Reads.] My soul's idol, my adored Lydia!—Very tender, indeed!
Mrs. MALAPROP
Tender! ay, and profane too, o' my conscience.
ABSOLUTE [Reads.] I am excessively alarmed at the intelligence you send me, the more so as my new rival——
Mrs. MALAPROP
That's you, sir.
ABSOLUTE [Reads.] Has universally the character of being an accomplished gentleman and a man of honour.—Well, that's handsome enough.