_Luc._ (_book in hand, seated on sofa_). This “Voyage round the World” is always a charming book to read.
_She puts her book upon the table, and leans her head upon her arm as if to read book; perceives letter._
_Luc._ Why, here’s somebody’s letter! (_Takes it up, coming down front._) Not very ladylike to read it, I suppose; but all women are curious. Seems to be unfinished. Of course it’s very wrong to read this letter (_reads_),—
“MY DEAR GEORGE,—As I quite anticipated on my return from home, the Government appointment I expected has been given to another. Pardon me, if on receiving this intelligence, I quitted London without bidding you adieu—and as it seems”—
“that I am too lazy to do any thing, as you all of you always said”—
What on earth does that mean? I should much like to see the author (_reading again from letter_),—
“I intend as soon as I have realized what property I have, to go to Baden, and once more try my luck at the tables. If I win, I shall found a hospital; and if I lose—well, in that case, the only thing I can see for me to do is to join my mother.”
That’s all; this gentleman has got no further, or else he has taken away the end of it.
_Cha._ (_rousing himself_). Oh! I can’t lay here any longer. Morpheus won’t come to my aid. What shall I do? Well, I might just as well finish my letter to George. Why! what the deuce have I done with it? (_Searches in his pockets._) Why, it seems to me I left it on the table before I went to sleep.
_Luc._ (_again reading letter_). “In that case, the only thing I can see for me to do is to join my mother.”
_Cha._ (_striking his forehead_). Confound it! I’ve left it in the next room.
_Luc._ (_putting down letter, and taking up book_). After all, I’m not George, and I’ve no right to read that letter.
_Cha._ But then my letter must be in the power of this woman. It appears to me that I’ve a perfect right to—
_Luc._ Good gracious! there’s some one knocking. Who is there? What do you want?
_Cha._ A thousand pardons, madam. I am the person who inhabited a few minutes ago the room you now occupy; and by accident in leaving the room I left an unfinished letter.
_Luc._ (_aside_). Dear me! This is the young gentleman that’s too lazy for any thing.