MISS SNA. For what, sir? He complained, a few days since, that he was without a pincushion, and could never recollect to purchase one; and where was the harm, sir, in my supplying such a trifling want: I shall not be so attentive _again_, be assured. As for my call this morning, it was on parish business--a motive of charity; but since my little acts of friendship are so sternly checked, of course those of charity must suffer at the same time. And I did hope to have your company to tea, to-morrow. NIG. Well, well, I know and appreciate your motives; but you always contrive to call when I'm occupied, when I don't want to be disturbed--and _this_ morning, I particularly wish to be quite alone. _(Double knock without.)_ Another call! Dear, dear, that is the worst of being a bachelor; everybody walks into his house whenever they please--no announcement, no ceremony, in they bounce with--"How are you? how do? only _me_." And sit themselves down, and take up this, and throw down that. Oh, I wish I had the courage to take a wife. _(Looking at his watch.)_ How the time is getting on--quarter past nine--we were to have been at church at ten, the latest. _(MISS KITTY SKYLARK heard without, running a cadence.)_ Oh, dear! it's that abominable singing lady; what the deuce brings her here? Her conversation is so interspersed with singing, that she's a complete human burletta--I shall never get rid of her. How shall I escape out of the house. _MISS KITTY SKYLARK enters, F.E.L., with a roll of music in her hand._ MISS SKY. Oh, good morning, good people--didn't expect to find any one here so early. I've got it for you, Mr. Niggle. NIG. Got what? MISS SKY. The song that you were trying to sing the other evening, "The Bay of Biscay," you know you first got out of tune, then you broke down altogether. I have bought the correct copy for you, and, if you'll allow me, I'll teach it you. _(Sings.)_ "As we lay, all that day, in the bay--" that's where you went astray, in the high note--"In the bay--" You must practice it twenty times a day--"Of Biscay, O!" NIG. You're very kind, indeed, miss; but this morning, I've no time to practice high notes. _(Aside.)_ I must turn them all out by force. MISS SKY. Well, well, any other day then. I've a charming song for _you_, Mr. Damper, just suited to your deep bass. _(Sings.)_ "While the wolf with nightly prowl"----An excellent song for you--you hate us women, you know; and, as the savage wolf howls at the sweet and silvery moon, so do you rail at us radiant creatures. Ah! good morning, Miss Snare, I've not forgotten _you_ either; I've picked up an old ditty that will be the very thing for you. _(Sings.)_ "Nobody coming to marry me, nobody coming to woo--wo--o--o--o--woo--o----" MISS SNA. Insulting creature! _(Regards her with every expression of contempt.)_ [_MISS SKYLARK_ points out the notes on paper to NIGGLE, who is fidgetting to get away._