TOM. Why, you do look remarkable thoughtful.
RECK. You see these three bright gold sovereigns?
TOM. Yes, sir! perhaps you will allow me to _feel_ them too?
RECK. So I will, Tom, on one condition! send _me_ in that basket
instead of the grocery, and carry me to the house where my Julia is
secluded.
TOM. Well, sir, but what will Fanny say?
RECK. Never mind her, there shall be a genteel note pinned outside the
basket, explaining the contents. Then, I'll give her a couple of
sovereigns, so pack up and be gone.
[_Exeunt L. H., TOM dragging the hamper._
SCENE II.--_A parlour.--In centre of stage a sofa, capable of being
made into a bed. At the back a globe, covered with a glazed cover. A
dining table and chair. A cupboard to open at top and bottom, R.--A
large window to open, L._
(_MRS. FACILE, with a pestle and mortar, and JULIA, R. H.,
discovered._
MRS. F. Really, my dear, the best advice I can give you, is to employ
yourself about something, it will divert your mind.
JULIA. Divert? I don't want to be diverted, I want to be miserable;
it's very unkind of you to try to console me.
MRS. F. I can only say I mean well, and I believe your guardian means
well.
JULIA. Yes, so is every horrid thing _meant_ well. Our governess used
to make us wash our hands in icy water in winter, and tell us it was
all for our good. I hate what is for our good.
MRS. F. But consider the impropriety of your forming at school, a
clandestine attachment with a young gentleman, of whose very residence
you are ignorant.
JULIA. And what is propriety? A creature of imagination, framed by old
maids under the inspiration of green tea.