Cha. Talking of faces, let me draw your attention, madam, to this one (pointing to Pri.’s face). There is a face that has committed faults—crimes.
Pri. Crimes! Faults! Me, madam! me, sir! Here is the best tea, which upon this auspicious day—
Cha. That’ll do.
Pri. Crimes! Faults! Yes, madam, your maid has charmed us to such an extent with her dancing on this auspicious—
Luc. (taking no notice of Pri.). Go on talking, sir, whilst I pour out the tea.
Cha. Well, madam, in consequence of my misfortune my lifetime has indeed been a miserable one,—sorrow upon sorrow, faults accumulating upon faults.
Pri. (leaving). Crimes! Faults, indeed!
[Exit.
Cha. My friends always insisted on declaring that I was too lazy to do any thing; and the unlucky star that I was born under, gossiping tongues, and certain circumstances all combined, seemed to favor such a prediction.
Luc. But, sir, was this merited? (Making tea.) Will you have a cup of tea, Mr.—Mr.—