MISS MAC. Well I'm sure. Upon my word, the fellows give themselves fine airs--coming in here uninvited, and creating disturbances--fancying themselves authorized by nature to sport with our feelings, and trample us under foot! And what do _you_ want here, sir? _(To DAMPER.)_ What right, sir, have you under this roof? Who sent for you? Why are you standing there making grimaces at me, sir? DAM. Ha! ha! you are annoyed--I see you are, and it gratifies me; and my countenance always shows the gratification of my heart! When I see a woman vexed, I revel in the sight! Go into a rage, do--I should like to see you furious! MISS MAC. Oh, dear no, sir; you shall be disappointed. If my anger is a source of pleasure to you, it shall be subdued immediately. _(Places him a chair in C.)_ Pray, sir, sit down--make yourself happy! Will you take a glass of wine? or shall I get my guitar and sing you a love song? DAM. _(Sitting down, R.)_ I should like to taste the one and listen to the other, amazingly; but for once I'll save you your wine and spare your vocal acquirements, and merely ask you a question, which I am sure you will answer, as I can perceive I have already made a favorable impression on your heart. MISS MAC. Well, sir, I will for once make an effort to be civil. What do you wish to know? DAM. Who is that young man? MISS MAC. I really cannot inform you--I know no more of him than I do of you; and I need not tell you that I wish to know nothing of either! DAM. Then, madam, allow me to say that I am astonished. MISS MAC. At what, sir? DAM. At a woman of your palpable experience opening your door to a stranger. How do you know what he may be? An assassin, a sharper, a seducer, perhaps. MISS MAC. For the matter of that, sir, this door has been opened to you, and, for aught I know, _you_ may be one of those characters! Oh, sir, look indignant if you please, but whatever you may be, in my eyes your whole sex is hateful. You are all brimful of deceit, design, villainy, selfishness, and brutality! Had I my will, my door should be barred and double-locked against your entire gender! DAM. Ah, you abusive woman! If we _are_ villains, 'tis your abominable sex that makes us such. If you were not weak, we should not be wicked? Who lost Mark Antony the world? a woman. Who betrayed the strong man into the hands of his enemies?--a woman. Who was the origin of all evil?--a woman, a woman! MISS MAC. Who leads armies to battle and slaughter?--man. Who tyrannizes over and enslaves our poor weak sex?--man. Who always plays the violin while Rome is burning?--man. And if woman _was_ the origin of all evil, who has cherished and supported evil, heart and soul, since its first introduction?--man, man! DAM. And who has helped him?--woman! Good morning! [_Exit D.F._ MISS MAC. That is the most complete savage I have yet encountered! _Re-enter CHESTER, L._