CLEVELAND. Then you bear me no malice?
ROSE. Not enough to kill a gnat.
CLEVELAND. Ah, Miss Elsworth, this assurance gives me the greatest
pleasure.
ROSE. Don't hurt the poor fellow though, Major, I beg of you. I should
be quite sorry if anything happened to him. He is a good-natured,
useful neighbour enough--an unpolished jewel, papa calls him. Ah,
Major, our social wants in this community are lamentable enough, when
we are obliged to content ourselves with such a poor substitute as you
have seen, for all the polish and manner of London circles.
CLEVELAND. Lamentable, indeed, Miss Elsworth!
ROSE. The war brings one boon, at least,--the society of gentlemen.
CLEVELAND. Very true, indeed.
ROSE. [_Aside._] Hem! Major Cleveland, I'll so wheedle you this night
you shall cry enough to a woman, even if it so happen that you have
never done it to a man. So look to it, my valiant Major! Look to it!
CLEVELAND. Do you know, dear Miss Elsworth, that I could wish to see
you in these troubled times united to some one who could afford you
the protection which only a husband can extend?
ROSE. [_Behind her fan._] Oh, Major!
CLEVELAND. [_Taking her hand._] I cannot be mistaken in the surmise
that you love already.
ROSE. [_With a sigh._] Oh, sir!
CLEVELAND. Miss Elsworth! Rose! Confide in me! I am your friend.
ROSE. [_With affected confusion._] I believe you, Major Cleveland.
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