Richard Steele: Edited, with an Introduction and Notes by G. A. AitkenSteele, Richard, Sir
General
Richard Steele: Edited, with an Introduction and Notes by G. A. Aitken
Steele, Richard, Sir
English drama (Comedy); Steele, Richard, Sir, 1672-1729
_Isab._ What anxiety do I feel for this poor creature! What will be
the end of her? Such a languishing unreserved passion for a man that
at last must certainly leave or ruin her! and perhaps both! Then the
aggravation of the distress is, that she does not believe he will--not
but, I must own, if they are both what they would seem, they are made
for one another, as much as Adam and Eve were, for there is no other of
their kind but themselves.
_Enter_ BOY.
So, Daniel! what news with you?
_Boy._ Madam, there's a gentleman below would speak with my lady.
_Isab._ Sirrah! don't you know Mr. Bevil yet?
_Boy._ Madam, 'tis not the gentleman who comes every day, and asks for
you, and won't go in till he knows whether you are with her or no.
_Isab._ Ha! that's a particular I did not know before. Well! be it who
it will, let him come up to me.
[_Exit_ BOY; _and re-enters with_ MR. SEALAND; ISABELLA _looks amazed._
_Mr. Seal._ Madam, I can't blame your being a little surprised to see a
perfect stranger make a visit, and----
_Isab._ I am indeed surprised!--I see he does not know me. [_Aside._
_Mr. Seal._ You are very prettily lodged here, madam; in troth you seem
to have everything in plenty--A thousand a year, I warrant you, upon
this pretty nest of rooms, and the dainty one within them. [_Aside, and
looking about._
_Isab._ [_Apart._] Twenty years, it seems, have less effect in the
alteration of a man of thirty than of a girl of fourteen--he's almost
still the same; but alas! I find, by other men, as well as himself, I
am not what I was. As soon as he spoke, I was convinced 'twas he; how
shall I contain my surprise and satisfaction! He must not know me yet.
_Mr. Seal._ Madam, I hope I don't give you any disturbance; but
there is a young lady here with whom I have a particular business to
discourse, and I hope she will admit me to that favour.
_Isab._ Why, sir, have you had any notice concerning her? I wonder who
could give it you.
_Mr. Seal._ That, madam, is fit only to be communicated to herself.
_Isab._ Well, sir! you shall see her.--[_Aside._] I find he knows
nothing yet, nor shall from me. I am resolved I will observe this
interlude, this sport of nature and of fortune.--You shall see her
presently, sir; for now I am as a mother, and will trust her with you.
[_Exit._
_Mr. Seal._ As a mother! right; that's the old phrase for one of those
commode ladies, who lend out beauty for hire to young gentlemen that
have pressing occasions. But here comes the precious lady herself. In
troth a very sightly woman----
_Enter_ INDIANA.
_Ind._ I am told, sir, you have some affair that requires your speaking
with me.
_Mr. Seal._ Yes, madam, there came to my hands a bill drawn by Mr.
Bevil, which is payable to-morrow; and he, in the intercourse of
business, sent it to me, who have cash of his, and desired me to send a
servant with it; but I have made bold to bring you the money myself.
_Ind._ Sir! was that necessary?
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