WOFF. I wish I could part with them all. POM. Nay, this is a most original admirer, Ernest Vane, that pastoral youth who means to win La Woffington by agricultural courtship, who wants to take the star from its firmament, and stick it in a cottage. WOFF. And what does the man think I am to do without this (_imitates applause_) from my dear public's thousand hands. POM. You are to have that from a single mouth instead (_mimics a kiss_). WOFF. Go on, tell me what more he says. POM. Why, he---- WOFF. No, you are not to invent; I should detect your work in a minute, and you would only spoil this man. POM. He proposes to be your friend, rather than your lover; to fight for your reputation instead of adding to your éclat. WOFF. Oh! and is Mr. Vane your friend? POM. He is! WOFF. (_with significance_). Why don't you tell him my real character, and send him into the country again! POM. I do; but he snaps his fingers at me and common sense and the world:--there is no getting rid of him, except in one way. I had this morning the honour, madam, of laying certain propositions at your feet. WOFF. Oh, yes, your letter, Sir Charles (_takes it out of her pocket_). I ran my eye down it as I came along, let me see--(_letter_)--"a coach," "a country house," "pin-money." Heigh ho! And I am _so_ tired of houses, and coaches, and pins. Oh, yes, here _is_ something. What is this you offer me, up in this corner? [_They inspect the letter together._] POM. That,--my "heart!" WOFF. And you can't even write it; it looks just like "earth." There is your letter, Sir Charles. [_Curtseys and returns it; he takes it and bows._] POM. Favour me with your answer. WOFF. You have it. POM. (_laughing_). Tell me, do you really refuse? WOFF. (_inspecting him_). Acting surprise? no, genuine! My good soul, are you so ignorant of the stage and the world, as not to know that I refuse such offers as yours every week of my life? I have refused so many of them, that I assure you I have begun to forget they are insults. POM. Insults, madam! They are the highest compliment you have left it in our power to pay you. WOFF. Indeed! Oh, I take your meaning. To be your mistress could be but a temporary disgrace; to be your wife might be a lasting discredit. Now sir, having played your rival's game---- POM. Ah! WOFF. And exposed your own hand, do something to recover the reputation of a man of the world. Leave the field before Mr. Vane can enjoy your discomfiture, for here he comes. POM. I leave you, madam, but remember, my discomfiture is neither your triumph, nor your swain's. [_Exit L._ WOFF. I do enjoy putting down these irresistibles. [_Enter Vane, L._] At last! I have been here so long. VANE. Alone? WOFF. In company and solitude. What has annoyed you? VANE. Nothing. WOFF. Never try to conceal anything from me. I know the map of your face. These fourteen days you have been subject to some adverse influence; and to-day I have discovered whose it is.