-But, oh! she has one charm that surpasses all.

_Lady._ Has she, sir?--What may that be?

_Vapid._ Her passion for the stage.

_Lady._ Sir!

_Vapid._ Yes, her passion for the stage; that, in my mind, makes her the
first of her sex.

_Lady._ Sir, she has no passion for the stage.

_Vapid._ Yes, yes, she has.

_Lady._ But I protest she has not.

_Vapid._ But I declare and affirm it as a fact, she has a strong passion
for the stage, and a violent attachment for all the people that belong
to it.

_Lady._ Sir, I don't understand you--explain.

_Vapid._ Hark ye,--we are alone--I promise it shall go no further, and
I'll let you into a secret--I know----

_Lady._ Well, what do you know?

_Vapid._ I know a certain dramatic author with whom she----he had a
letter from her this morning.

_Lady._ What?

_Vapid._ Yes,--an assignation--don't be alarmed--the man may be depended
on--he is safe--very safe!--Long in the habit of intrigue--a good person
too!--a very good person indeed.

_Lady._ Amazement!

_Vapid._ [_Whispering her._] Hark ye, he means to make her happy in less
than half an hour.

_Lady._ [_Rising._] Sir, do you know who you're talking to?--do you know
who I am?

_Vapid._ No,--How the devil should I?

_Lady._ Then know I am Lady Waitfor't!

_Vapid._ You Lady Waitfor't!

_Lady._ Yes, sir--the only Lady Waitfor't!

_Vapid._ Mercy on me!--here's incident!

_Lady._ Yes, and I am convinced you were sent here by that traitor,
Neville.--Speak, is he not your friend?

_Vapid._ Yes, ma'am:--I know Mr Neville.--Here's equivoque!

_Lady._ This is some trick, some stratagem of his.--He gave you the
letter to perplex and embarrass me.

_Vapid._ Gave the letter! 'gad that's great.--Pray, ma'am, give me leave
to ask you one question--Did you write to Mr Neville?

_Lady._ Yes, sir,--to confess the truth, I did--but from motives----

_Vapid._ Stop, my dear ma'am, stop--I have it--now,--let me be
clear--first, you send him a letter; is it not so? yes: then he gives it
to me--very well: then I come (supposing you only twenty) mighty
well!--then you turn out ninety--charming!---then comes the
embarrassment: then the eclaircissement! Oh! it's glorious!--Give me
your hand--you have atoned for every thing.

_Lady._ O! I owe all this to that villain, Neville--I am not
revengeful--but 'tis a weakness to endure such repeated provocations,
and I am convinced the mind, that too frequently forgives bad actions