Lady monologue — Comediettas and Farces

This is really too bad! Can't even change carriages on this line, which seems to be especially patronized by the criminal classes! But pshaw! I'm alarming myself unnecessarily. Is it likely that this gentleman--and he _is_ a gentleman--who seems to be on intimate terms with the wife of Edmund Ironsides--can possibly have any connection with-- How absurd of me! I really ought to be ashamed of myself. (_Seeing the paper-knife which the GENTLEMAN has left on seat._) What a strange-looking paper-knife--quite a formidable weapon! _Is_ it a paper-knife? it looks more like a stiletto! (_Taking up paper-knife very carefully between her finger and thumb, and then quickly dropping it again_). Such an instrument as that was never made to cut _leaves!_ It looks much adapted to-- (_Shuddering._) How ridiculous of me! My silly fears are running away with me again. Ha, ha, ha! (_forcing a laugh_).