Nig monologue (Act 1) — Single Life: A Comedy, in Three Acts

Well, well, I know and appreciate your motives; but you always contrive to call when I'm occupied, when I don't want to be disturbed--and _this_ morning, I particularly wish to be quite alone. _(Double knock without.)_ Another call! Dear, dear, that is the worst of being a bachelor; everybody walks into his house whenever they please--no announcement, no ceremony, in they bounce with--"How are you? how do? only _me_." And sit themselves down, and take up this, and throw down that. Oh, I wish I had the courage to take a wife. _(Looking at his watch.)_ How the time is getting on--quarter past nine--we were to have been at church at ten, the latest. _(MISS KITTY SKYLARK heard without, running a cadence.)_ Oh, dear! it's that abominable singing lady; what the deuce brings her here? Her conversation is so interspersed with singing, that she's a complete human burletta--I shall never get rid of her. How shall I escape out of the house.