be told of doing. Hush now ! Mr. Crusty 's coming. If you want me to go a-sleigh-riding, ask his leave.
Enter Mr. Crusty.
Mr. Crusty. How now, Dick? What are you doing here?
Dick, [bows.] I came to ask your permission for Sophy to go out on a sleigh-ride with me.
Mr. Crusty. And what have you to say to it, my young gal?
Sophy. Please do n't call me gal, Sir. Call me Sophy.
Mr. Crusty. That's no answer to my question. Tell me, gal, is this young man your lover?
Sophy. He says he is.
Mr. Crusty. And what do you say?
Sophy. I say nothing.
Mr. Crusty. Nothing! What right has he to ask me this permission in your presence without your leave?
Sophy. He does many things without asking my leave.
Mr. Crusty. He does! A pretty gal you! Have I warned you to keep yourself away from these young chaps, and here comes one and asks to take you out a-sleigh-riding? I am ready to give my consent when I know he has sought yours as his wife, and has obtained it. What say you, Sir?
Dick. I am ready to marry Sophy on sight.
Mr. Crusty, [to Sophy.] What does Sophy say? a sleigh-ride and a husband, or no husband and no sleigh-ride?
Sophy. If you want to get rid of me, Mr. Crusty, I am only too happy that Dick is ready to take me off your hands.
Mr. Crusty. You baggage! You know I marry you to Dick, that I may be better attended to when you shall have no one to look out for who does not reside under my roof with you. Go! and be happy. I will see that all things are ready for the tieing of the knot, by the time you shall return.
[Exeunt Dick and Sophy.
Mr. Crusty, [solus.] I think I shall be happier to know Dick and Sophy are married, and, too, I believe it is the best way to secure my own happiness. I shall enjoy, in a quiet way, the honeymoon below
