_Finsb._ But I beg leave to explain, gentlemen. All I ventured to remark or suggest was, that as there was some talk of Mr. Talbot’s being captain to-morrow, I didn’t conceive how he could well appear without any dress. That was all, upon my word and honour. A good morning to you, gentlemen; it is time for me to be off. Mrs. Newington, you were so obliging as to promise to accommodate me with a return chaise as far as Eton. (_Finsbury bows and exit_.) _Farm._ A good day to you and your bandboxes. There’s a fellow for you now! Ha! ha! ha!—A man-milliner, forsooth! _Landlord_. Mrs. Talbot’s coming—stand back. _Landlady_. Lord! why does Bob show them through this way? _Enter_ MRS. TALBOT, _leaning on_ LOUISA; _Waiter showing the way_. _Landlady_. You are going on, I suppose, ma’am? _Waiter_ (_aside to Landlord_). Not if she could help it; but there’s no beds, since Mr. Bursal and Miss Bursal’s come. _Landlord_. I say nothing, for it is vain to say more. But isn’t it a pity she can’t stay for the Montem, poor old lady! Her son—as good and fine a lad as ever you saw—they say, has a chance, too, of being captain. She may never live to see another such a sight. (_As Mrs. Talbot walks slowly on_, _the Farmer puts himself across her way_, _so as to stop her short_.) _Farm._ No offence, madam, I hope; but I have a good snug farm house, not far off hand; and if so be you’d be so good to take a night’s lodging, you and the young lady with you, you’d have a hearty welcome. That’s all I can say and you’d make my wife very happy; for she’s a good woman, to say nothing of myself. _Landlord_. If I may be so bold to put in my word, madam, you’d have as good beds, and be as well lodged, with Farmer Hearty, as in e’er a house at Salt Hill. _Mrs. Talb._ I am very much obliged— _Farm._ O, say nothing o’ that, madam. I am sure I shall be as much obliged if you do come. Do, miss, speak for me. _Louisa_. Pray, dear mother— _Farm._ She will. (_Calls behind the scenes_.) Here, waiter! hostler! driver! what’s your name? drive the chaise up here to the door, smart, close. Lean on my arm, madam, and we’ll have you in and home in a whiff. (_Exeunt Mrs. Talbot_, _Louisa_, _Farmer_, _Landlord and Waiter_.) _Landlady_ (_sola_). What a noise and a rout this farmer man makes! and my husband, with his great broad face, bowing, as great a nincompoop as t’other. The folks are all bewitched with the old woman, I verily believe. (_Aloud_.) A good morning to you, ladies. END OF THE FIRST ACT. * * * * * ACT THE SECOND. SCENE I. _A field near Eton College_;—_several boys crossing backwards and forwards in the back-ground_. _In front_, TALBOT, WHEELER, LORD JOHN _and_ BURSAL.