But you can't expect me as a member of the Church of
England [she tickles him] --agh! Ow! Oh Lord! he is anything you
like. He is a philanthropist, a philosopher, a beauty: he ought
to have a statue, damn him! [she tickles him]. No! bless him!
save him victorious, happy and glorious! Oh, let eternal honors
crown his name: Voltaire thrice worthy on the rolls of fame!
[Exhausted.] Now will you let me up? And look here! I can see
your ankles when you tickle me: it's not ladylike.
CATHERINE [sticking out her toe and admiring it critically]. Is
the spectacle so disagreeable?
EDSTASTON. It's agreeable enough; only [with intense expression]
for heaven's sake don't touch me in the ribs.
CATHERINE [putting aside the pamphlet]. Captain Edstaston, why
did you refuse to come when I sent for you?
EDSTASTON. Madam, I cannot talk tied up like this.
CATHERINE. Do you still admire me as much as you did this
morning?
EDSTASTON. How can I possibly tell when I can't see you? Let me
get up and look. I can't see anything now except my toes and
yours.
CATHERINE. Do you still intend to write to the London Gazette
about me?
EDSTASTON. Not if you will loosen these straps. Quick: loosen me.
I'm fainting.
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