Bidding the
driver convey them to Tower Street, they rattled merrily enough
over the uneven streets until they came close to the theatre,
when, being in high spirits and feeling anxious to test the value
of their disguise, they resolved to alight from their conveyance,
enter the playhouse, and offer their wares for sale in presence
of the court.
Accordingly, paying the driver, they descended from the coach,
and running between the lines of chairs gathered round the
theatre, gained the door. Now, who should arrive at that moment
but the beau Sidney, attired in the bravery of waving feathers,
fluttering ribbons, and rich-hued velvets. And as he paused to
adjust his curls to his greater satisfaction before entering the
playhouse, Miss Price went boldly forward and asked him to buy
her fine oranges; but so engaged was he in his occupation, that
he did not deign to make reply, but passed into the theatre
without turning his glance upon her. Miss Jennings, however,
fared somewhat differently; and with less satisfaction to
herself; for, perceiving another courtier, none other than Tom
Killigrew, a rare wit and lover of pleasure, she went up to him
and offered her fruit for sale. These he declined to buy; but
chucking her under the chin, and glancing at her with an air of
familiarity, invited her to bring her oranges to his lodgings
next morning. On this Miss Jennings, who was as virtuous as
lovely, pushed him away with violence, and forgetting the
character she assumed, commenced rebuking his insolence, much to
the amusement and surprise of the bystanders.
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