perhaps going to a professional duty?

MR. B.--It's WE who are praying this child, Touchit. This child, with
whom you used to come home from Westminster when you were boys. You
have influence with him; he listens to you. Entreat him to pause in his
madness.

TOUCHIT.--What madness?

MRS. B.--That--that woman--that serpent yonder--that--that
dancing-woman, whom you introduced to Arabella Milliken,--ah! and I rue
the day:--Horace is going to mum--mum--marry her!

TOUCHIT.--Well! I always thought he would. Ever since I saw him and her
playing at whist together, when I came down here a month ago, I thought
he would do it.

MRS. B.--Oh, it's the whist, the whist! Why did I ever play at whist,
Edward? My poor Mr. Milliken used to like his rubber.

TOUCHIT.--Since he has been a widower--

LADY K.--A widower of that angel! [Points to picture.]

TOUCHIT.--Pooh, pooh, angel! You two ladies have never given the
poor fellow any peace. You were always quarrelling over him. You took
possession of his house, bullied his servants, spoiled his children; you
did, Lady Kicklebury.

LADY K.--Sir, you are a rude, low, presuming, vulgar man. Clarence! beat