Free. (preventing him as he is going up to Mrs. F.) No, no, my good neighbours: this is too much ceremony amongst friends. Let us go into the next room, and see if there is any thing to eat: I dare say there is some cold meat and cucumber for us. Let me have the honour, Mrs. Fudge. (They all go into the next room and seat themselves round the table. Re-enter Freeman in a great bustle.)
More chairs and more covers, here! Thomas! Barnaby! Jenkins! (the servants run up and down carrying things across the stage. Enter more people.)
Ha! welcome—welcome, my good friends! we were just looking for you. Go into the next room, and try if you can find any thing you like.
Voter. O, Sir, never fear but we shall find plenty of good victuals. (Exeunt into the next room. Manet Charlotte, who comes forward.
Char. La, how I should like to be a queen, and stand in my robes, and have all the people introduced to me! for then they would kiss no more than my hand, which I should hold out so. No, no; it should be so. (stretching out her hand whilst Charles Baltimore, entering behind and overhearing her, takes and kisses it with a ludicrous bending of the knee.)
Charles. And which should be kissed so?
Char. (affectedly) You are always so silly, Mr. Charles Baltimore.
Charles. Are you holding court here for all those good folks? I thought there was no harm in looking in upon you, though I do belong to the other side. (peeping.) Faith they are busy enough! mercy
