Enter JOHN.

JOHN.--I have took the Captain's things in the blue room, sir. [Exeunt
gentlemen, JOHN arranges tables, &c.]

Ha! Mrs. Prior! I ain't partial to Mrs. Prior. I think she's an artful
old dodger, Mrs. Prior. I think there's mystery in her unfathomable
pockets, and schemes in the folds of her umbrella. But--but she's
Julia's mother, and for the beloved one's sake I am civil to her.

MRS. PRIOR.--Thank you Charles [to the Page, who has been seen to let
her in at the garden-gate], I am so much obliged to you! Good afternoon,
Mr. Howell. Is my daughter--are the darling children well? Oh, I am
quite tired and weary! Three horrid omnibuses were full, and I have had
to walk the whole weary long way. Ah, times are changed with me, Mr.
Howell. Once when I was young and strong, I had my husband's carriage to
ride in.

JOHN [aside].--His carriage! his coal-wagon! I know well enough who old
Prior was. A merchant? yes, a pretty merchant! kep' a lodging-house,
share in a barge, touting for orders, and at last a snug little place in
the Gazette.

MRS. PRIOR.--How is your cough, Mr. Howell? I have brought you some
lozenges for it [takes numberless articles from her pocket], and if
you would take them of a night and morning--oh, indeed, you would get
better! The late Sir Henry Halford recommended them to Mr. Prior. He
was his late Majesty's physician and ours. You know we have seen happier
times, Mr. Howell. Oh, I am quite tired and faint.