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PICKERING [rising and standing over hiins! You

knohat I mean If I'irl I hope it's understood that no advantage is

to be taken of her position

HIGGINS What! That thing! Sacred, I assure you [Rising to explain]

You see, she'll be a pupil; and teaching would be iht scores of Alish: the best looking women in the world I'm seasoned

They ht as well be a block of

wood It's--

Mrs Pearce opens the door She has Eliza's hat in her hand Pickering

retires to the easy-chair at the hearth and sits down

HIGGINS [eagerly] Well, Mrs Pearce: is it all right?

MRS PEARCE [at the door] I just wish to trouble you with a word, if I

ins

HIGGINS Yes, certainly Come in [She comes forward] Don't burn that,

Mrs Pearce I'll keep it as a curiosity [He takes the hat]

MRS PEARCE Handle it carefully, sir, please I had to promise her not

to burn it; but I had better put it in the oven for a while

HIGGINS [putting it down hastily on the piano] Oh! thank you Well,

what have you to say to me?

PICKERING Ains: will you please be very