Mon. speaking as she descends. There, my garments are changed, and we may now enjoy our supper.
Flor. Ha! another woman! but old, by the mother of the Graces!
Mon. A stranger!
Flor. Not an impertinent one, I trust. One, who in the darkness of the storm has missed his road, despairs of regaining it till morning, and craves of your benevolence a shelter for the night. You shall be soon convinced I am no dangerous guest.
Mon. with a voluble civility. Nay, young gentleman, never trouble yourself to inform me of your rank; you have told me your necessity, and that’s a sufficient claim to every comfort my little cabin can afford; pray, sir, take a seat: I am much honoured by your presence: we have a little supper toward; you must partake it, sir: here! my good Silence! come hither. Ah! I do not see— looking anxiously round the cottage.
Flor. I am afraid, my good madam, you miss one of your family.
Mon. I do, indeed, sir; and—
Flo. It was my misfortune to drive a female out of your house at the moment I entered it.
Mon. Sir!
Flor. But not intentionally, I protest. The fact is, though I have always esteemed myself as a well-manufactured person, yet something in my appearance so terrified the lady that—