_Lady._ As to that, sir, this young lady can best inform you.--I desired him to leave the house an hour ago.
_Mari._ [_Aside._] I'm afraid my only way is to confess all.--My lord, if I confess the truth, I hope you'll prevail on my aunt to forgive me.
_Lord._ Tell what you know, and I'll answer for your forgiveness.
_Mari._ Why, sir, I found the gentleman alone, and not having had a _tête-a-tête_ a long time, I pressed him to stay, and, on hearing your voice, I put him behind the sofa,--that you might not think any thing had happened,--and, indeed, sir, nothing did happen--upon my word he's as quiet, inoffensive a gentleman as yourself.
_Lord._ My fears are over! Oh! you finished composition! come to my arms, and when I suspect you again--[_Coughs much._]--this curst cough, it takes one so suddenly!
_Ennui._ I've an idea--Floriville is arrived--in fact--I just now spoke to him.
_Lord._ Floriville arrived!--Come, my lady--let's go see what his travels have done for him.--Hark ye, Ennui--prepare for your interview with Louisa, and remember you make a mandarin member.--Come, my lady--nay, never irritate your feelings. [_Exeunt LORD and LADY._
_Mari._ So--poor Mr Neville is to lose Miss Courtney.--Her present quarrel with him is so violent, that she may marry this idiot merely in revenge.--If I could dupe him now, and ensure her contempt.--I'll try.--Mr Ennui, have you seen your intended wife yet?
_Mari._ So I thought--why you'll never please her while you remain as you are.--You must alter your manners.--She is all life!--all spirits!--and loves a man the very opposite to you.
_Ennui._ I've an idea--I'm very sorry--in fact--how can I please her?
_Mari._ There's the difficulty--let me see--the sort of man she prefers is--you know Sir Harry Hustle?--a man all activity and confidence!--who does every thing from fashion, and glories in confessing it.
_Ennui._ Sir Harry Hustle?--in fact--he's a modern blood of fashion.
_Mari._ I know--that's the reason she likes him, and you must become the same, if you wish to win her affection--a new dress--bold looks--a few oaths, and much swaggering, effects the business. [_ENNUI puts himself in attitudes._] Ay, that's right, you are the very man already.