LYDIA
O patience!—Do, ma'am, for Heaven's sake! tell us what is the matter?
Mrs. MALAPROP Why, murder's the matter! slaughter's the matter! killing's the matter!—but he can tell you the perpendiculars.
LYDIA
Then, prithee, sir, be brief.
FAG Why, then, ma'am, as to murder—I cannot take upon me to say—and as to slaughter, or manslaughter, that will be as the jury finds it.
LYDIA
But who, sir—who are engaged in this?
FAG Faith, ma'am, one is a young gentleman whom I should be very sorry any thing was to happen to—a very pretty behaved gentleman! We have lived much together, and always on terms.
LYDIA
But who is this? who! who! who?
FAG
My master, ma'am—my master—I speak of my master.
LYDIA
Heavens! What, Captain Absolute!
Mrs. MALAPROP
Oh, to be sure, you are frightened now!