Page:Passions 2.pdf/388

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376
THE SECOND MARRIAGE:

condolence full eight months and a-half after her death—he is a mere simpleton! His wonderful delicacy too about interested marriages—he is worse than a simpleton! And my only business now, forsooth! must be to stay at home and become schoolmaster to my own children!—he is an absolute fool! (turning round and seeing the servant still standing at the door.) Have you enquired at the village which of the inns my Lord Lubberford stops at on his way to town?

Ser. Yes, Sir; but they don't know.

Sea. But they must know! Go and make farther enquiries, for I must pay my respects to his Lordship as he passes. Were the fruit and the flowers carried to Lady Sarah this morning?

Ser. I don't know, Sir.

Sea. Run to the gardener, and put him in mind of it.(Exeunt.



SCENE III. A library. Enter Seabright, who walks several times slowly across the stage as if deeply engaged in his own mind, then stops short with a considerable pause.

Sea. I am now upon the threshold of distinction, and with one step more I cross it. On this side lies spiritless obscurity; on that, invigorating honour. (pauses.) Member of Parliament! there is magic in the words, and of most powerful operation.—Let that man find a place elsewhere; why should I squeeze myself and every body round me to make