MISS SKY. But, as they are mere second-hand declarations, permit me to return them. There--there--there and there. [_She throws all the letters and basket at him and runs off; he remains covered with them. PINKEY regards them bewildered; gathers them together and puts them into his handkerchief._ PIN. This comes of trying a warranted speech. And are these all my letters? What trouble I have taken, and in vain too. I'll seal them up again--they'll come in for somebody else! There's some one at the door. [_He has placed all the letters in the basket, and conceals it behind him._ _Enter BOSS, F.E.L._ BOSS. Pinkey, my man, they are waiting tea for you up stairs. Miss Snare wants you to assist me in handing the toast. What's the matter with you man? you look bewildered--a tiff with your lady I suppose. [_PINKEY utters a deep groan and goes off F.E.L._ Poor fellow, I'm afraid he's unfortunate in his choice; though I suppose one must marry, it seems a necessary duty to society. I can't confess that I'm in love, yet there seems to be a something about Miss Snare that is very agreeable. She admires me that's clear; and, as I admire myself, there is certainly some sympathy between us. The Spartan laws considered bachelors as infamous: I think I have a little of the Spartan in me, and am half inclined to be of their opinion. I'll turn the matter over in my mind. [_Exit F.E.L._ SCENE III.--_A large room at MISS SNARE'S--In the S.E.R. is a fire-place, mantle-piece, looking-glass, &c., complete; a fender before it bearing toast, crumpets, &c.; a table on the L., on which is a complete tea-service, urn, &c.--MISS SNARE is presiding at the tea-table--PINKEY and BOSS are handing the tea and toast--PINKEY is very nervous and confused--BOSS takes every opportunity of surveying himself in the glass--PINKEY'S chair is on the L. of the fire-place, that of BOSS on the R.--NIGGLE is next to PINKEY--DAMPER to NIGGLE--CHESTER to DAMPER--MISS SKYLARK near CHESTER--MISS MEADOWS behind the tea-table, facing the audience--MISS MACAW in front of it on the L.--All laughing as the scene is discovered._ DAM. _(Drinking tea.)_ Ah, you may laugh, it was a miraculous escape, he was within a hairs breadth of the noose; but I saved his neck for him. MISS MAC. I wish you had tied yourself up in it instead. How I should rejoice to see you caught in the toils. DAM. If you could be tied up with me, I should not care for my own torments, while I could behold yours. PIN. _(Handing toast to NIGGLE, and speaking aside to him.)_ Oh! Such a climax to my attempt at a pop. NIG. Did you try the speech? PIN. Only half of it, I was cut short--tell you by and bye. MISS SNA. Hand Miss Skylark some toast Mr. P. Put some coals on the fire, and bring me Mr. Damper's cup. PIN. Yes, ma'am. DAM. _(To CHESTER.)_ I did not expect the pleasure of meeting _you_ here, sir. CHE. I am sure, to find you in the presence of ladies, is an event quite as unexpected by me.