WOFF. Oh, yes, your letter, Sir Charles (_takes it out of her pocket_). I ran my eye down it as I came along, let me see--(_letter_)--"a coach," "a country house," "pin-money." Heigh ho! And I am _so_ tired of houses, and coaches, and pins. Oh, yes, here _is_ something. What is this you offer me, up in this corner?
WOFF. And you can't even write it; it looks just like "earth." There is your letter, Sir Charles.
[_Curtseys and returns it; he takes it and bows._]
POM. (_laughing_). Tell me, do you really refuse?
WOFF. (_inspecting him_). Acting surprise? no, genuine! My good soul, are you so ignorant of the stage and the world, as not to know that I refuse such offers as yours every week of my life? I have refused so many of them, that I assure you I have begun to forget they are insults.
POM. Insults, madam! They are the highest compliment you have left it in our power to pay you.
WOFF. Indeed! Oh, I take your meaning. To be your mistress could be but a temporary disgrace; to be your wife might be a lasting discredit. Now sir, having played your rival's game----
WOFF. And exposed your own hand, do something to recover the reputation of a man of the world. Leave the field before Mr. Vane can enjoy your discomfiture, for here he comes.
POM. I leave you, madam, but remember, my discomfiture is neither your triumph, nor your swain's.
WOFF. I do enjoy putting down these irresistibles.
WOFF. In company and solitude. What has annoyed you?
WOFF. Never try to conceal anything from me. I know the map of your face. These fourteen days you have been subject to some adverse influence; and to-day I have discovered whose it is.
WOFF. Dear friend, for your own sake, not mine; trust your own heart, eyes, and judgment.
VANE. I do. I love you; your face is the shrine of sincerity, truth, and candour. I alone know you: your flatterers do not--your detractors--oh! curse them!
WOFF. You see what men are! Have I done ill to hide the riches of my heart from the heartless, and keep them all for one honest man, who will be my friend, I hope, as well as my lover?
WOFF. We actresses make good the old proverb, "Many lovers, but few friends." And oh! it is we who need a friend. Will you be mine?
VANE. I will. Then tell me the way for me, unequal in wit and address to many of your admirers, to win your esteem.