MAR. Well, I speak according to my knowledge, and I know I always speak the truth and what I want to say, without any beating about the bush; and that's much better than being deceitful and making believe to be glad to see people when you really wish 'em at Jericho, and go grinning and smiling up to 'em, and shaking hands, when in your heart you'd like to shake 'em inside out--and make use of fine words and say beautiful things when you don't mean it. You may call it polish if you like, but I call it telling lies. SIR W. But the usages of society--the---- MAR. I don't care! I shall follow my own usages, and I begin this morning by packing off my French master and my music master; and as for the dancing master, if he dares come here again and make my feet ache as he did yesterday, I'll break his little fiddle over his head for him! _Enter a SERVANT at the back._ SERV. Lord and Lady Plato. SIR W. Good heavens! my uncle and his wife, his first visit since his marriage! Now, my dearest Margaret, if you have any regard for me--and I know you _have,_ after your own fashion---- MAR. I like you very much when you don't snub me. SIR W. I never will again, if you will only be a little on your guard now. Speak as few words as possible, and take off that apron and those gardening gloves, and try to recollect the way of receiving visitors that I have so often taught you. MAR. I'll try. SIR W. There's a dear! and I'll give you a kiss when they're gone. MAR. No, give it me now. SIR W. (_kissing her_) There! (_to SERVANT_) I'll attend his lordship immediately. _Exit SERVANT and SIR WILLIAM_. MAR. Bless me! then I must titivate a little. (_rings a bell_) I'm to take off these gloves and this apron. _Enter a MAID, L.H.D._ --Come here, Lucy--take these things, will you? (_giving her the gloves and apron_) Now my hair and my dress--do I look nice and proper to see gentlefolks? Oh! my shoes do pinch me so! There, that will do--now go. _MARGERY stands very prim, L.H.--SIR WILLIAM ushers in LORD and LADY PLATO._ SIR W. My dear uncle, this is kind! I was afraid you would never honor me with a visit again. Lady Plato, I am delighted to know you. You can form no idea how gratified I am by the unexpected pleasure of seeing you. PLATO. Just returned from a trip to the Highlands. SIR W. I was fearful I had offended you, but this kindness assures me we are still friends. PLATO. We shall have the pleasure of meeting Lady Evergreen, I hope. SIR W. Certainly--her ladyship is present. You have heard of my choice, and will, I trust, overlook any _gaucherie_--any---- PLATO. Certainly! I've considered the matter, and as there is now no help for it, why, what can't be cured--I need say no more. SIR W. Lady Evergreen, permit me to introduce you to my excellent uncle, Lord Plato, and to Lady Plato. _MARGERY is introduced with some ceremony--On curtseying to LADY PLATO she suddenly stops and stares at her._