Not so. Olivia. I have made a resolution to go, and nothing shall induce me to break it. Jarvis. Aye; resolutions are well kept when they jump with inclination. However, I'll go hasten things without. And I'll call, too, at the bar, to see if any thing should be left for us there. Don't be in such a plaguy hurry, madam, and we shall go the faster, I promise you. [Exit Jarvis. Enter LANDLADY. Landlady. What! Solomon, why don't you move? Pipes and tobacco for the Lamb there.-Will nobody answer? To the Dolphin; quick. The Angel has been outrageous this half hour. Did your ladyship call, madam? No, madam. Olivia. Landlady. I find, as you're for Scotland, madam-But that's no business of mine; married, or not married, I ask no questions. To be sure we had a sweet little couple set off from this two days ago for the same place.— The gentleman, for a taylor, was, to be sure, as fine a spoken taylor, as ever blew froth from a full pot. And the young lady so bashful, it was near half an hour before we could get her to finish a pint of rasberry between us. Olivia. But this gentleman and I are not going to be mar ried, I assure you. Landlady. May be not. That's no business of mine; for cer- tain, Scotch marriages seldom turn out. Olivia. A very pretty picture of what lies before me! [Aside. Enter LEONTINE. Leontine. My dear Olivia, my anxiety, till you were out of danger, was too great to be resisted. I could not help coming to see you set out, though it exposes us to a discovery. Olivia. May every thing you do prove as fortunate. Indeed, Leontine, we have been most cruelly disappointed. Mr. Honeywood's bill upon the city has, it seems, been protested, and we have been utterly at a loss how to proceed. Leontine. How! an offer of his own too. Sure, he could not mean to deceive us. Olivia. Depend upon his sincerity; he only mistook the desire for the power of serving us. But let us think no more of it. I believe the post-chaise is ready by this. Landlady. Not quite yet: and, begging your ladyship's pardon, I don't think your ladyship quite ready for the post-chaise. The north-road is a cold place, madam. I have a drop in the house of as pretty rasberry as ever was tipt over tongue. Just a thimble full to keep the wind off your stomach. To be sure, the last couple we had here, they said it was a perfect nosegay. Ecod, I sent them both away as good natured-Up went the blinds, round went the wheels, and drive away post-boy, was the word. Enter CROAKER. Croaker. Well, while my friend Honeywood is upon the post of danger at the bar, it must be my business to have an eye about me here. I think I know an incendiary's look; for wherever the devil makes a purchase, he never fails to set his mark. Ha! who have we here? My son and daughter! What can they be doing here! Landlady. I tell you, madam, it will do you good; I think I know by this time what's good for the north road.It's a raw night, madam.-Sir- Leontine. Not a drop more, good madam. I should now take it as a greater favor, if you hasten the horses, for I am afraid to be seen myself. Landlady. That shall be done. Wha, Solomon! are you all dead there? Wha, Solomon, I say! Olivia, [Exit bawling. Well! I dread, lest an expedition begun in fear, should end in repentance.-Every moment we stay increases our danger, and adds to my apprehensions. Leontine. There's no danger, trust me, my dear; there can be none! if Honeywood has acted with honor, and kept my father as he promised, in employment till we are out of danger, nothing can interrupt our journey. Olivia. I have no doubt of Mr. Honeywood's sincerity, and even his desires to serve us. My fears are from your father's suspicions. A mind so disposed to be alarmed without a cause, will be but too ready when there's a reason. Leontine Why let him when we are out of his power. But believe me, Olivia, you have no great reason to dread his resentment. His repining temper, as it does no manner of injury to himself, so will it never do harm to others. He only frets to keep himself employed, and scolds for his private amusement. Olivia. I don't know that; but, I'm sure, on some occasions, it makes him look most shockingly. Croaker. (discovering himself.) How does he look now?-How does he look now? Olivia. Ah! Leontine. Undone. Croaker. How do I look now? Sir, I am your very humble servant. Madam, I am yours. What, you are going off, are you? Then, first, if you please, take a word or two from me with you before you go. Tell me first where you are going? and when you have told me that, perhaps I shall know as little as I did before. Leontine. If that be so, our answer might but increase your displeasure, without adding to your information. Croaker. I want no information from you, puppy: and you too, good madam, what answer have you got? Eh! (A cry without, stop him.) I think I heard a noise. My friend Honeywood without-has he seized the incendiary? Ah, no, for now I hear no more on't. Leontine. Honeywood without! Then, Sir, it was Mr. Honeywood that directed you hither? |