By Cupid! I am ravished with your charms." And he would have seized her hand, but Patience hastily withdrew it; and, provoked at his impertinence, dealt him a sound box on the ear.

As she did this, she thought she heard a suppressed laugh near her, and looked round, but could see no one.

The sound certainly did not proceed from Pillichody, for he looked very red and very angry.
"Do not repeat this affront, mistress," he said to her.

"I can bear anything but a blow from your sex." "Then tell me what has become of Blaize," she cried.
"I will no longer spare your feelings," he rejoined.

"He is defunct." "Defunct!" echoed Patience, with a scream.