n and feelings!
[_Aside._]--I find that you acquire _your skill in physiognomy_ from
sympathy; or from making suitable comparisons, and drawing natural
inferences from them; but now for the remainder of your pleasant anecdote,
Maria.
MARIA. So, I was extremely civil to my two worshipping votaries, grinn'd
when they did, and talk'd as much nonsense as either of them. During this
scene of mock-gallantry, one of my love-sick swains elevated his eyes in a
most languishing manner; and, clasping his sweet, unlucky hands together
rather eagerly, my little dog Muff happen'd to be in the way, by which
means my pet was squeez'd rather more than it lik'd, and my Adonis's finger
bit by it so feelingly, that it would have delighted you to see how he
twisted his soft features about, with the excruciating anguish. Ha, ha, ha.
HARRIET. Ha, ha, ha. Exceeding ludicrous indeed!--But pray, my dear
careless, sprightly Maria, was you not a little nettled to see Mr. Frankton
and his nymphs so great? And are you not deeply in love with each other,
notwithstanding your coquetry at the theatre, and his levity at the
Assembly?--Yes, yes,--your aversion to the dancing last night was only
pretence. I hope when your hearts are cemented by wedlock, you will both do
better.
MARIA. It will be well if I do no worse; but, to hear you talk, one would
swear you were not in love yourself.
HARRIET. Love is an amiable weakness, of which our sex are peculiarly
susceptible.
MARIA. Ha, ha, ha; _of which our sex are peculiarly susceptible_--what an
evasion!--and so my dear lovelorn, pensive, sentimental, romantic Harriet
has never experienced that same _amiable weakness_ which, it seems, the
weaker sex is so susceptible of. But I won't tease you about Mr. Loveyet
any more; adieu.
[_Going._
HARRIET. Ha, ha; why in such sudden haste, my dear?
MARIA. I have already made my visit longer than I intended, and I have
plagu'd you enough now; adieu.
HARRIET. Ha, ha, ha; that is laughable enough.
[_Exeunt, separately._
_End of the First Act._
ACT II.
SCENE I. _FRANKTON'S Lodgings._
_FRANKTON and YOUNG LOVEYET sitting._
LOVEYET. When did you say you saw her?
FRANKTON. Last night, in company with several other belles of no small
note, who did not look a tittle the handsomer for appearing at the same
time with her, I assure
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