opkinson, Sir John and
Lady Tomkinson, request the pleasure. Request the pleasure! Of course
they do. They are always asking Mr. M. to dinner. They have daughters
to marry, and Mr. M. is a widower with three thousand a year, every
shilling of it. I must tell Lady Kicklebury. He must never go to these
places--never, never--mustn't be allowed. [While talking, she opens all
the letters on the table, rummages the portfolio and writing-box, looks
at cards on mantelpiece, work in work-basket, tries tea-box, and shows
the greatest activity and curiosity.]

Re-enter John, bearing a tray with cakes, a decanter, &c.

Thank you, thank you, Mr. Howell! Oh, oh, dear me, not so much as that!
Half a glass, and ONE biscuit, please. What elegant sherry! [sips a
little, and puts down glass on tray]. Do you know, I remember in better
days, Mr. Howell, when my poor dear husband--

JOHN.--Beg your pardon. There's Milliken's bell, going like mad. [Exit
John.]

MRS. PRIOR.--What an abrupt person! Oh, but it's comfortable, this wine
is! And--and I think how my poor Charlotte would like a little--she so
weak, and ordered wine by the medical man! And when dear Adolphus comes
home from Christ's Hospital, quite tired, poor boy, and hungry, wouldn't
a bit of nice cake do him good! Adolphus is so fond of plum-cake, the
darling child! And so is Frederick, little saucy rogue; and I'll give
them MY piece, and keep my glass of wine for my dear delicate angel
Shatty! [Takes bottle and paper out of her pocket, cuts off a great
slice of cake, and pours wine from wine-glass and decanter into bottle.]

Enter PAGE.

PAGE.--Master George and Miss Bella is going to have their teas down
here with Miss Prior, Mrs. Prior, and she's up in the school-room, and
my lady says you may stay to tea.

MRS. PRIOR.--Thank you, Charles! How tall you grow! Those trousers would
fit my darling Frederick to a nicety. Thank you, Charles. I know the way
to the nursery. [Exit Mrs. P.]

PAGE.--Know the way! I believe she DO know the way. Been a having cake
and wine. Howell always gives her cake and wine--jolly cake, ain't it!
and wine, oh, my!

Re-enter John.

JOHN.--You young gormandizing cormorant! What! five meals a day ain't
enough for you! What? beer ain't good enough for you, hey? [Pulls boy's
ears.]

PAGE [crying].--Oh, oh, do-o-n't, Mr. Howell. I only took half a glass,
upon my honor.

JOHN.--Your a-honor, you lying young vagabond! I wonder the ground don't
o