say, and then retires where he can overhear the conversation. Link on entering, bows low, and says:
Most honoured young lady, you know, of course, who I am?
Sophia (Aside. In regard to this question I can, with truth, indulge Hammer in his wish). No.
Link. Doubtless the worthy justice has informed you that a certain person, for a certain purpose, intends to take a certain liberty with you … that is to say, wishes to pay his most respectful respects to you?
Sophia. No.
Link. That is most extraordinary. He wrote me that his lovely niece was quite aware of my coming. I don't understand it at all. Do you?
Sophia. No.
Link. I am placed in a very awkward position … my name … esteemed young lady … is … Link.
Sophia (inquiringly). No?
Link. Yes, of a surety. I reside at Grenaa. You know, of course, where Grenaa is?
Sophia (drawling out the word, as if trying to remember). N—o.
Link. It lies on the coast, the east coast. I am not without a pretty fair reputation in the town, and, moreover, have no reason to complain of the receipts of my office.After sundry attempts at conversation, to which she never makes any reply but "no," Link exclaims:
Well, I shan't stand shilly-shallying any longer. After all I have been saying, you can't doubt my intentions, so I'll e'en come to the point at once. I love you—I
Sophia (with pretended astonishment). No!
Link. Not no, but yes. It is the positive truth; and now I shall make so bold as to ask you the important question at once. Suppose 1 were to say to you—"Miss Gamstrup, here stand I before you. My condition and my circumstances are known to you—you see my figure, my air, my manner, my dress. Will you, seeing all that I present to your consideration, make me happy by bestowing on me your dear little hand, and your not less dear little heart?" Suppose I were to say all this to you, what would you answer?
Sophia. No.
Link. That is rather an unpleasant word, but you smile while you say it, therefore perhaps you don't mean it. Come, now, you don't really mean it?
Sophia. No.
Link. Thank Heaven! that's just what I thought. You mean to give me every hope?
Sophia. No.
Link. Why not? I cannot understand you at all. Ah! you are joking, I see; but pray let me have no more no's from your pretty mouth. I shall be satisfied with an equally short answer, which 1 shall dictate myself. Y—e—s, what does that spell?
Sophia. No.
Link. Nay, nay, pardon me—it spells yes. (Aside.) Her education must have been dreadfully neglected.
(Link sings.)
A lesson let me give to you:
In no, there are but letters two;
It is a word short, but not sweet.
Which folks don't often like to meet.
Yes, like the Graces, numbers three,
And oh! but say that word to me!
Now, y—e—s, how do they go?
They make—let's hear—they make a—
