Page:A Series of Plays on the Passions Volume 1.pdf/214

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212
THE TRYAL: A COMEDY.

speak uncivilly in your presence of the other class you mentioned.

Op. I scorn your insinuation, sir; but whatever class of men I belong to, I praise heaven, I have nothing of the sour plodding book-worm about me.

Har. You do well to praise heaven for the endowments it has bestowed upon you, Opal; if all men were as thankful as you for this blessed gift of ignorance, we could not be said to live in an ungrateful generation.

Op. Talk away, laugh at yuor own wit as much as you please, I dont mind it. I dont trouble my head to find out bons mots of a morning.

Har. You are very right, Jack, for it would be to no purpose if you did.

Op. I speak whatever comes readiest to me: I dont study speeches for company, Harwood.

Har. I hope so, Opal; you would have a laborious life of it indeed, if you could not speak nonsense extempore.

Op. (Drawing himself up, and walking haughtily to the other side of the stage.) I had no business to be so familiar with him. Sir Loftus is right; a reserved manner keeps impertinent people at a distance. (aside—Turns about, makes a very stiff bow to Harwood, and Exit.J

Har. (alone.) I am glad he is gone. What do I see! (here Mariane, Agnes, and Miss Eston walk over the bottom of the stage, attended by Sir Loftus and Opal, and Exeunt by the opposite side. Har, looking after them.) Alas, now! that such impudent