Meph. A thousand pardons for my clumsy error.

Misled by a description—“tall and fair,

Eighteen, and very beautiful.” The words

Apply, with equal truth, to both the ladies.

Mar. You’re vastly civil, sir! (Aside.) Upon my word,

It rains well-spoken, proper gentlemen!

Meph. Sisters, of course?

Mar.Nay, she’s my sister’s child

(Hastily.) My sister was, by many years, my senior!

Meph. That’s evident. I bring you doleful news—