got round her new—(Agnes from behind, claps her hand on Eston's mouth, and draws her into the closet.—Mariane seats herself by the table, pretending to read. Exit Betty, and enter Sir Loftus, a servant announcing him.)
Sir Loft. You are very studious this morning, Miss Withrington.
Mar. (Carelessly.) Ha! how do you do?
Sir Loft. You have been well amus'd, I hope?
Mar. So, so. I must put in a mark here, and not lose my place. (Looking on the table.) There is no paper—O, there is some on the other table: pray do fetch it me! (Pointing to a table at the bottom of the stage.) I am very lazy. (Sits down again indolently.)
Sir Loft. (Fetching the paper, and presenting it with a condescending yet self-important air.) I have the honour to obey you, ma'am.
Mar. I thank you; you are a very serviceable creature, I am sure.
Sir Loft. (Drawing himself up proudly, but immediately correcting himself.) I am always happy to serve Miss Withrington.
Mar. O! I know very well the obliging turn of your disposition. (Tosses her arm upon the table, and throws down a book.) I am very stupid this morning. (Sir Loftus picks up the book, and gives it to her rather sulkily; and she in receiving it drops an ivory ball under the table.) Bless me! What is the matter with all these things? pray lift it for me, good Sir Loftus! I believe you must creep