7
Dr. D. | Mrs. Partlet, there is much truth in what you say. I am indeed getting on in years, and a helpmate would cheer my declining days. Time was when it might have been; but I have left it too long—I am an old fogy now, am I not, my dear? (to Constance)—a very old fogy, indeed. Ha! ha! No, Mrs. Partlet, my mind is quite made up. I shall live and die a solitary old bachelor. |
Con. | Oh, mother, mother! (Sobs on Mrs. Partlet's bosom). |
Mrs. P. | Come, come, dear one, don't fret. At a more fitting time we will try again—we will try again. |
(Exeunt Mrs. Partlet and Constance.)
Dr. D. | (Looking after them). Poor little girl! I'm afraid she has something on her mind. She is rather comely. Time was when this old heart would have throbbed in double time at the sight of such a fairy form! But hush! I am puling! Here comes the young Alexis with his proud and happy father. Let me dry this tell tale tear |
Enter Sir Marmaduke and Alexis from house r.
Recitative
Dr. D. (c.) | Sir Marmaduke—my dear young friend, Alexis— |
Sir M. (l.) | Sir, you are most obligeeng! |
Alexis. (r.) | Dr. Daly, |
(Spoken through music.)
Dr. D. | May fortune bless you! may the middle distance |
(Crosses L. Alexis sits on stool, r. c.)
Sir M. (c.) | Dear sir, that is an excellent example |
Dr. D. (L.) | Sir, you shall have a fairly written copy |
(Exit Dr, Daly, l. 2 e.)