Mrs. MALAPROP Did you ever hear anything like it?—he'll elude my vigilance, will he—yes, yes! ha! ha! he's very likely to enter these doors;—we'll try who can plot best!
ABSOLUTE So we will, ma'am—so we will! Ha! ha! ha! a conceited puppy, ha! ha! ha!—Well, but Mrs. Malaprop, as the girl seems so infatuated by this fellow, suppose you were to wink at her corresponding with him for a little time—let her even plot an elopement with him—then do you connive at her escape—while I, just in the nick, will have the fellow laid by the heels, and fairly contrive to carry her off in his stead.
Mrs. MALAPROP
I am delighted with the scheme; never was anything better perpetrated!
ABSOLUTE But, pray, could not I see the lady for a few minutes now?—I should like to try her temper a little.
Mrs. MALAPROP Why, I don't know—I doubt she is not prepared for a visit of this kind. There is a decorum in these matters.
ABSOLUTE
O Lord! she won't mind me—only tell her Beverley——
Mrs. MALAPROP
Sir!
ABSOLUTE
[Aside.] Gently, good tongue.
Mrs. MALAPROP
What did you say of Beverley?
ABSOLUTE Oh, I was going to propose that you should tell her, by way of jest, that it was Beverley who was below; she'd come down fast enough then—ha! ha! ha!