"But here is my verse.

Oblige me with the music." During the discussion Gay had been turning over a pile of manuscript on the table.

This manuscript was a rough draft of the "Beggar's Opera." Pepusch had before him the music of a number of tunes, most of them well known, selected by Gay and himself as suitable for the songs in the opera.

Poet and musician had had repeated differences as to the choice of melodies but things had now fairly settled down.
Lavinia meanwhile was watching the proceedings with no little interest and with not less nervousness.

She had heard the talk and saw quite well that she was about to be put to a severe test.