I am happy, Madam, that my uneasiness on your account has been unnecessary.
I thank you! The attack was so insignificant that it need not have made you uneasy.
Lady Solmes wishes to take leave of you, dearest Sara!
I cannot go soon enough for those who desire my presence in London.
You surely are not going to leave to-day?
To-morrow morning, first thing? I thought to-day.
Our acquaintance, Madam, commences hurriedly. I hope to be honoured with a more intimate intercourse with you at some future time.
I pledge myself, dearest Sara, that this desire of Lady Solmes is sincere, although I must tell you beforehand that you will certainly not see each other again for a long time. Lady Solmes will very rarely be able to live where we are.
That is to deprive me of a very pleasant anticipation, Mellefont!
But in reality, Madam, do you not start before tomorrow morning?
It may be sooner! (_Aside_.) No one comes.
We do not wish to remain much longer here either. It will be well, will it not, Sara, to follow our answer without delay? Sir William cannot be displeased with our haste.
Somebody wishes to speak with you immediately.
Me? Immediately? I will come at once. Madam, is it agreeable to you to shorten your visit?
Why so, Mellefont? Lady Solmes will be so kind as to wait for your return.
Pardon me; I know my cousin Mellefont, and prefer to depart with him.
The stranger, sir--he wishes only to say a word to you. He says, that he has not a moment to lose.
Go, please! I will be with him directly. I expect it will be some news at last about the agreement which I mentioned to you. (_Exit_ Betty.)
If you order it, then, I must bid you----
Oh no, Mellefont; I am sure you will not grudge me the pleasure of entertaining Lady Solmes during your absence?
Do not stay now, dearest Mellefont, but come back again soon! And come with a more joyful face, I will wish! You doubtless expect an unpleasant answer. Don't let this disturb you. I am more desirous to see whether after all you can gracefully prefer me to an inheritance, than I am to know that you are in the possession of one.
I obey. (_In a warning tone_.) I shall be sure to come back in a moment, Madam.
My good Mellefont sometimes gives his polite phrases quite a wrong accent. Do not you think so too, Madam?