examples of the commissioner, the captain, and the
colonel.

_Eger_. So I understand, my lord.

_Lord Lum_. But, Egerton, I have slipt from the company for a few moments,
on purpose to have a little chat with you. Rodolpha tells me she fancies
there is a kind of demur on your side, about your marriage with her.

_Sir Per_. A demur! how so, my lord?

_Lord Lum_. Why, as I was drinking my coffee with the women just now, I
desired they would fix the wedding night, and the etiquette of the
ceremony; upon which the girl burst into a loud laugh, telling me she
supposed I was joking, for that Mr. Egerton had never yet given her a
single glance or hint upon the subject.

_Sir Per_. My lord, I have been just now talking to him about his shyness
to the lady.

_Enter_ TOMLINS..

_Tom_. Counsellor Plausible is come, sir, and serjeant Eitherside.

_Sir Per_. Why then we can settle the business this very evening, my lord.

_Lord Lum_. As well as in seven years: and, to make the way as short as
possible, pray, Mr. Tomlins, present your master's compliments and mine to
Lady Rodolpha, and let her ladyship know we wish to speak with her
directly: [_Exit_ Tomlins.]--He shall attack her this instant, Sir
Pertinax.

_Sir Per_. Ay! this is doing business effectually, my lord.

_Lord Lum_. O! I will pit them in a moment, Sir Pertinax,--that will bring
them into the heat of the action at once, and save a great deal of
awkwardness on both sides. O! here your dulcinea comes, sir.

_Enter Lady_ RODOLPHA, _singing, a music paper in her hand._

_Lady Rod_. I have been learning this air of Constantia: I protest, her
touch on the harpsichord is quite brilliant, and really her voice not
amiss. Weel, Sir Pertinax, I attend your commands, and yours, my paternal
lord. [_Lady_ Rod. _curtsies very low; my lord bows very low, and answers
in the same tone and manner._]

_Lord Lum_. Why, then, my filial lady, we are to inform you that the
commission for your ladyship and this enamoured cavalier, commanding you
to serve your country, jointly and inseparably, in the honourable and
forlorn hope of matrimony, is to be signed this very evening.

_Lady Rod_. This evening, my lord!

_Lord Lum_. This evening, my lady. Come, Sir Pertinax, let us leave them
to settle their liveries, wedding-suits, carriages, and all their amorous
equipage, for the nuptial campaign.

_Sir Per_. Ha, ha, ha! excellent! excellent! weel, I vow, my lord, you are