[_Exit MISS SNARE, F.E.L._ PIN. Here's the favourable opportunity come sooner than I expected. I've got the speech, but have not had time enough to learn it; perhaps I can recollect a few words and get a sly peep at the others. MISS SKY. A little piratical object, how I should like to box his ears; but I'll controul my temper for a moment. _(Crosses to L.)_ PIN. Hem! We are quite alone. MISS SKY. Yes, I perceive we are. PIN. Shall we sit down a bit, or how? MISS SKY. As you please. [_They sit._ PIN. Hem! Oh, dear! what a twitter I am in. I shall never begin. MISS SKY. _(Singing without regarding him.)_ "Why so pale and wan, fond lover, Pr'ythee why so pale? PIN. I dare say I _am_ pale; but I have made up my mind, and I _will_ begin. Does not a moment like this inspire you with feelings--with feelings---- _(Looking at his paper aside.)_ MISS SKY. What feelings? PIN. Indescribable. I've got that out--what a long word, for a man in a fright. _(Aside.)_ MISS SKY. _(Singing.)_ "Will, when looking well can't win her, Looking ill prevail? PIN. Now she ought to say, "indeed it does." Never mind, as I have ventured so far, on I'll go. For my own part I feel it's influence so strongly here, that I could live for ever thus. There--that was well said. MISS SKY. _(Singing.)_ "Why so dull and mute, young sinner, Pr'ythee, why so mute?" PIN. But I'm not mute, Miss Skylark; till this moment I have been a miserable man--till this moment I have been--Zounds, what comes next? A miserable man--oh, my stars, I'm fixed for want of a word--a miserable man---- MISS SKY. Have you indeed. Ah! _(Sighing.)_ PIN. She sighs. If half the speech has such an effect, what will all of it do? _(Looking at his paper.)_ Oh, here's the next word. _(Continuing.)_ 'Tis in your power---- MISS SKY. Ah! _(Sighing again.)_ PIN. Another sigh. I'm getting on. MISS SKY. Dear object of my soul. PIN. Oh, good heavens! I didn't expect such language. Oh! I'm all of a tremble. MISS SKY. My passion for you is so intense. PIN. Oh, she's popping to me and saving me all the bother. MISS SKY. That neither night nor day can I close my eyes. PIN. Eh? Oh, my! that's the beginning of one of my letters. MISS SKY. How beautifully you do express yourself. PIN. Do I? MISS SKY. You see this bundle. _(Producing her bundle of letters.)_ Here are all your cherished letters; I need not tell you how I prize them. PIN. I ought to sob and fall in her lap now. _(Takes out his pocket-handkerchief and tries to sob.)_ I cant. I dont feel at all inclined to cry. Perhaps I shall, presently. MISS SKY. If the contents of these billets---- PIN. Billys! Oh, ah--I understand. MISS SKY. Were not copied from the complete letter-writer---- PIN. Oh, I'm found out. Well did I ever. Oh, there's no falling at her feet, now. MISS SKY. I need not confess they would be doubly dear to me---- PIN. Oh, there's no harm done. _(He draws his chair closer to her.)_