Part 4 (2/2)

_Helen_. I'm glad on't. Goes she to her father?

_Wal_. No: At the desire of thine she for a term shares roof with thee.

_Helen_. I'm very glad on't.

_Wal_. What!

You like her, then? I thought you would. 'Tis time She sees the town.

_Helen_. It has been time for that These six years.

_Wal_. By thy wisdom's count. No doubt You've told her what a precious place it is.

_Helen_. I have.

_Wal_. I even guessed as much. For that I told thee of her; brought thee here to see her; And prayed thee to sojourn a s.p.a.ce with her; That its fair s.p.a.ce, from thy too fair report, Might strike a novice less--so less deceive her.

I did not put thee under check.

_Helen_. 'Twas right,-- Else had I broken loose, and run the wilder!

So knows she not her father yet: that's strange.

I prithee how does mine?

_Wal_. Well--very well.

News for thee.

_Helen_. What?

_Wal_. Thy cousin is in town.

_Helen_. My cousin Modus?

_Wal_. Much do I suspect That cousin's nearer to thy heart than blood.

_Helen_. Pshaw! Wed me to a musty library!

Love him who nothing loves but Greek and Latin!

But, Master Walter, you forget the main Surpa.s.sing point of all! Who's come with you?

_Wal_. Ay, that's the question!

_Helen_. Is he soldier or Civilian? lord or gentleman? He's rich, If that's his chariot! Where is his estate?

What brings it in? Six thousand pounds a year?

Twelve thousand, may be! Is he bachelor, Or husband? Bachelor I'm sure he is Comes he not hither wooing, Master Walter?

Nay, prithee, answer me!

_Wal_. Who says thy s.e.x Are curious? That they're patient, I'll be sworn; And reasonable--very reasonable-- To look for twenty answers in a breath!

Come, thou shalt be enlightened--but propound Thy questions one by one! Thou'rt far too apt A scholar! My ability to teach Will ne'er keep pace, I fear, with thine to learn.

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