Yes, they have a delicate flavour--but he promis'd, if possible, to escape for an hour--won't you? [_to Mrs._ Circuit.] Mrs. CIRCUIT. No, it gives me the heart-burn.--Then let us leave him a cover. COLONEL. By all means in the world. Mrs. CIRCUIT. But there is, likewise, another party, for whom a place ought to be kept. Mrs. SIMPER. Another! Who can that be I wonder? Mrs. CIRCUIT. A small appendix of mine. Sir LUKE. How, Madam! Mrs. CIRCUIT. You need not be jealous, Sir Luke--taste that tart Mrs. Simper--it is only my husband the Serjeant.--Ha! ha! ha!--Betty makes them herself. Mrs. SIMPER. Oh! you abominable creature! How could such a thought come into your head? Sir LUKE. Ma'am--[_Offering sweetmeats to Mrs._ Simper.] Mrs. SIMPER. Not a bit more, I thank you.--I swear and vow I mould swoon at the sight. Mrs. CIRCUIT. And I should receive him with the polite indifference of an absolute stranger. Sir LUKE. Well said, my good Lady Intrepid! But, notwithstanding, I would venture a trifle that his appearance would give you such an electrical shock---- Mrs. CIRCUIT. You are vastly deceiv'd. Sir LUKE. Dare you come to the proof? Will you give me leave to introduce Mr. Serjeant? He is not far off. Mrs. CIRCUIT. What, my husband? Sir LUKE. Even he! I saw him as I enter'd the hall. Mrs. CIRCUIT. Impossible! Sir LUKE. Nay, then I must fetch him. [_Exit_ Sir Luke. COLONEL. I can't conceive what the knight wou'd be at. Mrs. SIMPER. Why he is mad. Mrs. CIRCUIT. Or turn'd fool. _Enter Sir_ LUKE, _with the_ SERJEANT'S _peruke on a block_. Sir LUKE. Now, Madam, have I reason? Is this your husband or not? Mrs. SIMPER. It is he; not the least doubt can be made. COLONEL. Yes, yes, it is the Serjeant himself. Mrs. CIRCUIT. I own it; I acknowledge the lord of my wishes. [_Kisses the block._] Mrs. SIMPER. All his features are there! COLONEL. The grave cast of his countenance! Sir LUKE. The vacant stare of his eye! Mrs. CIRCUIT. The livid hue of his lips! Mrs. SIMPER. The rubies with which his cheeks are enrich'd! COLONEL. The silent solemnity when he sits on the bench! Mrs. CIRCUIT. We must have him at table; but pray good folks let my husband appear like himself.--I'll run for the gown. [_Exit._ Mrs. SIMPER. By all means in the world. Sir LUKE. Dispatch, I beseech you. _Mrs._ CIRCUIT _returns with a gown and band_. Mrs. CIRCUIT. Sir Luke, lend your assistance. COLONEL. There, place him at the head of the table. [_They fix the head at the back of a chair, and place it at table; then all sit._ Mrs. SIMPER. Madam, you'll take care of your husband. Mrs. CIRCUIT. I don't want to be put in mind of my duty. Mrs. SIMPER. Oh, Madam! I know that very well. Sir LUKE. Come, Hob or Nob, Master Circuit--let us try if we can't fuddle the Serjeant. COLONEL. O! fye! have a proper respect for the coif. Mrs. SIMPER.