RIP [_very slowly and quietly, but with great intensity_]. Well, den, I will go; you have drive me away like a dog, Gretchen, and I will go. But remember, Gretchen, after what you have told me here to-night, I can never come back. You have open de door for me to go; you will never open it for me to return. But, Gretchen, you tell me dat I have no longer a chare here. [_Points at the child, who kneels crying at his feet._] Good-by [_with much emotion_], my darlin'. God bless you! Don'd you nefer forgit your fader. Gretchen (_with a great sob_), I wipe de disgrace from your door. Good-by, good-by! [_Exit_ RIP _into the storm_. FOOTNOTE: [80] Adapted by Mr. A. P. Burbank. THE RIVALS RICHARD BRINSLEY SHERIDAN ACT I, SCENE II CHARACTERS: Mrs. Malaprop, with her bad grammar and ludicrous diction; Lydia Languish, in love with Beverley; Sir Anthony Absolute, choleric, but kind-hearted. SCENE: A dressing room in Mrs. Malaprop's lodgings. _Enter_ MRS. MALAPROP, LYDIA, _and_ SIR ANTHONY MRS. MALAPROP. There, Sir Anthony, there stands the deliberate simpleton, who wants to disgrace her family and lavish herself on a fellow not worth a shilling. LYDIA. Madam, I thought you once-- MRS. M. You thought, miss! I don't know any business you have to think at all: thought does not become a young woman. But the point we would request of you is, that you will promise to forget this fellow--to illiterate him, I say, from your memory. LYD. Ah, madam! our memories are independent of our wills. It is not so easy to forget. MRS. M. But I say it is, miss! there is nothing on earth so easy as to forget, if a person chooses to set about it. I'm sure I have as much forgot your poor dear uncle, as if he had never existed; and I thought it my duty so to do; and let me tell you, Lydia, these violent memories don't become a young woman. LYD. What crime, madam, have I committed, to be treated thus? MRS. M. Now don't attempt to extirpate yourself from the matter; you know I have proof controvertible of it. But tell me, will you promise me to do as you are bid? Will you take a husband of your friend's choosing? LYD. Madam, I must tell you plainly, that, had I no preference for any one else, the choice you have made would be my aversion. MRS. M. What business have you, miss, with preference and aversion? They don't become a young woman. But, suppose we were going to give you another choice, will you promise us to give up this Beverley? LYD. Could I belie my thoughts so far as to give that promise, my actions would certainly as far belie my words. MRS. M. Take yourself to your room! You are fit company for nothing but your own ill humors. LYD. Willingly, ma'am; I cannot change for the worse. MRS. M. There's a little intricate hussy for you! [_Exit._