Miss Foster. Upon my word, Menteith, Mr. Austin is as fortunate in his servant as his reputation.
Menteith. Quite so, madam. But let me observe that the opportunities I have had of acquiring a knowledge of Mr. George’s character have been positively unrivalled. Nobody knows Mr. George like his old attendant. The goodness of that gentleman—but, madam, you will soon be equally fortunate, if, as I understand, it is to be a match.
Miss Foster. I hope, Menteith, you are not taking leave of your senses. Is it possible you mean my niece?
Menteith. Madam, I have the honour to congratulate you. I put a second curl in Mr. George’s hair on purpose.
SCENE II
To these, Austin. Menteith falls back, and Austin takes his place in front of Miss Foster, his attitude a counterpart of Menteith’s
Austin. Madam, I hasten to present my homage.
Miss Foster. A truce to compliments; Menteith, your charming fellow there, has set me positively crazy. Dear George Austin, is it true? Can it be true?
Austin. Madam, if he has been praising your niece he has been well inspired. If he was speaking, as I spoke an hour ago myself, I wish, Miss Foster, that he had held his tongue. I have indeed offered myself to Miss Dorothy, and she, with the most excellent reason, has refused me.