Page:Passions 2.pdf/50

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38
THE ELECTION:


Balt. And there were a number of people to look at him too?

Pet. O! your honour, all the rag tag of the parish were grinning at him. Wa'nt they Nat.?

Balt. Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha! this is excellent! ha, ha, ha! He would shake himself but ruefully before them (still laughing violently.)

Pet. Ay, Sir, he shook the wet straws and the withered turnip-tops from his back. It would have done your heart good to have seen him.

Dav. Nay, you know well enough, you do, that there is nothing but a bank of dry sand in that corner (with some indignation to Pet.)

Balt. (impatiently to David.) Poo, silly fellow! it is the dirtiest nook in the village.—And he rose and shook himself, ha, ha, ha! (laughing still violently.) I did not know that thou wert such a humourous fellow, Peter. Here is money for thee to drink the brown calf's health.

Pet. Ay, your honour, for certain he shall have a noggen.

Dav. (aside) To think now that he should demean himself so!

Enter Mrs. Baltimore.

Mrs. B. (aside to Balt.) Mr. Freeman is at the door: should you wish to receive him? I hurried to give you notice. Will it be disagreeable to you?

Balt. O, not at all. Let him in by all means! (to the servants) I am at home. [Exeunt servants.

Mrs. B. Now, this is as it should be, my dear Baltimore. I like to see you in this good temper of mind.