My business here concerns your daughter in whom I take an interest." "Oh, and who may you be ?" asked the woman ungraciously.
"My name is Gay--John Gay--but I'll tell you more when we're alone." He cast a look around at the rough Covent Garden porters with which the place was fairly full.

One of the boxes was empty and Mrs.Fenton pointed to it, at the same time ordering her daughter to go into the kitchen and make herself useful.

Then she flopped down opposite Gay, separated from him by a table marked by innumerable rings left by coffee mugs.
Gay put forward his ideas and painted a glorious future for Lavinia.

Her mother did not seem particularly impressed.

It was doubtful indeed if she believed him.
"You'll find the wench a handful.