Mrs. B. (smiling with great contempt.) I don't know, indeed, at what time, from the date of a man's marriage, he is entitled to claim affinity with his wife's relations: perhaps it varies with occurrences, and misfortunes certainly have no tendency to shorten it.
Lord A. Madam, let me have the honour to inform you, that there is no term in which the chief of a noble and ancient family can be contaminated by the inferior alliances of those individuals who belong to his family: such things are consider'd as mere adventitious circumstances,
Mrs. B. You teach me, my Lord, to make very nice distinctions; and therefore, whilst I pay all respect to you as the representative of a noble family, you must likewise permit me to express for you, as an individual, sentiments of a very opposite nature.
Lord A. Good breeding, madam, will not permit me to return such an answer as you deserve; and therefore I will no longer intrude on your time.
Mrs. B. A better excuse, perhaps, might be found; but any one will be perfectly acceptable that procures me the pleasure of wishing your Lordship good morning.
(As Lord Allcrest is about to go out, enter Beaumont and Morgan, and prevent him.)
Bea. I am sorry, my Lord, I was not in the way when you did me the honour to enquire for me.
Lord A. (passing him abruptly with a slight bow.) Good morning, Sir; good morning.
