Cler. Sen. I am going to take the air this morning in my coach, and did myself the honour, before I went, to receive your commands, finding you saw company.
Mrs. Cler. At any time when you know I do, you may let me see you. Pray, how did you sleep last night?—If I had not asked him that question they might have thought we lay together. [Aside. Here Fainlove, looking through a perspective, bows to Clerimont, Sen.]—But captain, I have a quarrel with you—I have utterly forgot those three coupees[93] you promised to come again and show me.
Cler. Sen. Then, madam, you have no commands this morning?
Mrs. Cler. Your humble servant, sir—But, oh! [As she is going to be led by the Captain.] Have you signed that mortgage to pay off my Lady Faddle's winnings at ombre?
Cler. Sen. Yes, madam.
Mrs. Cler. Then all's well; my honour's safe. [Exit Clerimont, Sen.] Come, captain, lead me this step, for I'm apt to make a false one; you shall show me.
Cler. I'll show you, madam; 'tis no matter for a fiddle; I'll give you 'em the French way, in a teaching tune. Pray, more quick—Oh, mademoiselle, que faites-vous?—A moi—There again—Now slide, as it were, with and without measure—There you outdid the gipsy; and you have all the smiles of the dance to a tittle.
Mrs. Cler. Why, truly, I think that the greatest part. I have seen an English woman dance a jig with the severity of a vestal virgin.
Hump. If this be French dancing and singing, I fancy I could do it. Haw! haw! [Capers aside.
Mrs. Cler. I protest, Mr. Gubbin, you have almost the step, without any of our country bashfulness. Give me your hand. Haw! haw! So, so; a little quicker. That's right, haw!—Captain, your brother delivered this spark to me, to be diverted here till he calls for him. [Exit Clerimont.