_A room in the Hall. Enter William, showing in Peter Bargrove._
_Will._ Step in this room, Mr Peter, and I'll let my lady know that you are here. I say, Mr Peter, what can you want with my lady?
_Peter_ (_consequentially_). That cannot concern you, sir, I should think.
_Will._ What's the matter now? Why, you used to be civil and genteel. I say, I suppose you have found a mare's nest.
_Peter._ Don't be saucy, sir; go and deliver your message to my lady.
_Will._ And if it warn't for my own sake, I wouldn't now. [_Exit William._
_Peter._ We shall see some difference, I flatter myself, in their behaviour when they know who's who. How shall I address her? I never before dare speak to her, she is so haughty and proud. But she won't be so when she knows that I am her son. Pooh! I don't care for her now.
_Will._ My lady desires you to wait in the servants' hall till she sends for you. This way.
_Peter._ Indeed, I will not--I'll wait here.
_Will._ O, very well--just as you please; but you'll take the consequences. Recollect, I have delivered my lady's message.
_Will._ Well, I suspect you be got a cloth in the wind, Mr Peter. [_Exit William._
_Peter._ Means I'm drunk! Insolent fellow! I'll give him warning. I daresay my lady will be very angry till she knows the circumstances. Then the sooner I let it out the better (_walks about_). What care I. I'll be as brave as brass.
_Lady Eth._ (_without_). I'll be back directly.
_Peter_ (_fanning himself with his hat_). O lud! here she comes. (_Recovering himself_). Who cares! Let her come.
_Lady Eth._ You here, sir! I desired you to wait in the servants' hall.
_Peter._ Yes, my lady, you did--but--but--that is not a fit place for me.
_Lady Eth._ I am sure this room is not. Well, sir--what do you want?
_Peter._ Lady Etheridge, I have most important intelligence to communicate.
_Peter._ Lady Etheridge, prepare yourself for most unthought-of news.
_Peter_ (_aside_). Fool! very maternal indeed. (_Aloud._) If I am a fool, Lady Etheridge, why, all the worse for you.
_Peter._ Yes, my lady, I think you'll treat me with more respect very soon.
_Lady Eth._ I shall order the servants to show you the door very soon.
_Peter._ If you do, my lady, I sha'n't go out of it.