BUR. And I wish it was in Huntingdonshire, with the best part of it, and that's mistress. Poor thing! A twelvemonth married, and six months of it as good as a widow. COL. We write to her, James, and receive her replies. BUR. Aye! but we don't read 'em, it seems. COL. We intend to do so at our leisure--meanwhile we make ourselves happy among the wits and the players. BUR. And she do make others happy among the poor and the suffering. COL. James Burdock, property has its duties, as well as its rights. Master enjoys the rights in town, and mistress discharges the duties in the country; 'tis the division of labour--and now vanish, honest James, the company will be here directly, and you know master can't abide the smell of the stable (_crosses to L._). BUR. But, Master Colander, do let him have this letter from missus (_holds out the letter he has taken from the salver_). COL. James Burdock, you are incorrigible. Have I not given it to him once already? and didn't he fling it in my face and call me a puppy? I respect Mistress Vane, James; but I must remember what's due to myself--I shan't take it. [_Exit Colander 3 E. L._ BUR. Then I will--there! Poor dear lady! I can't abear that her letters, with her heart in 'em, I'll be sworn, should lie unopened. Barnet post mark!--why, how can that be? Well, it's not my business. (_puts salver on table 2 E. L._) Master shall have it though (_hurried knocking heard_). There goes that door, ah! I thought it wouldn't be quiet long--what a rake-helly place this London is! [_Exit L._ [_Re-enter with Mrs. Vane in a hood and travelling dress._] BUR. Stop! stop! I don't think master can see you, young woman. MABEL. Why, James Burdock, have you forgotten your mistress? (_removes her hood_) BUR. Mistress! why Miss Mabel--I ask your pardon, miss,--I mean, madam. Bless your sweet face!--here, John, Thomas! MABEL. Hush! BUR. Lord, lord! come at last! oh! how woundy glad I am, to be sure--oh! lord, lord, my old head's all of a muddle with joy to see your kind face again. MABEL. (R.) But Ernest--Mr. Vane, James, is he well--and happy--and (_sees his change of face_)--Eh! he is well, James? BUR. Yes, yes, quite well, and main happy. MABEL. And is he very impatient to see me? BUR. (_aside_). Lord help her! MABEL. But mind, James, not a word; he doesn't expect me till six, and 'tis now scarce four. Oh! I shall startle him so! BUR. Yes, yes, madam; you'll startle him woundily. MABEL. Oh! it will be so delightful to pop out upon him unawares--will it not, James? BUR. Yes, Miss Mabel,--that is, madam; but hadn't I better prepare him like?