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Balt. (angrily to Charles.) And you have chosen a patron, have you!

Char. I'm sure I did not think—I'm sure I should be very glad—I'm sure I don't know what to do.

Free. Good morning, Madam: I take my leave. (slightly to Balt.) Good morning. (Exit.

Char. I'm sure I don't know what to do.

Mrs. B. Whatever you do, I hope you will have the civility, at least, to see that worthy man down stairs, and thank him a hundred times over for his goodness.

Char. That I will.(Exit hastily.

Mrs. B. Oh, Baltimore! how could you treat any body so, that came to you with offers of kindness?

Balt. (striding up and down.) What would you have had me do? what would you have had me do, Madam? His abominable fingers were within two inches of my nose.

Mrs. B. Oh, Baltimore, Baltimore!

Balt. Leave me, Madam!(Exit Mrs. B. with her handkerchief to her eyes.)

(He still strides up and down; then stopping suddenly to listen.)

He's not gone yet! I hear his voice still! That fool, with some cursed nonsence or other, is detaining him still in the hall! It is past all endurance! Who waits there?

Enter Peter.

What, dost thou dare to appear before me with that serpent's tongue of thine, sloughed over with