his upon a merchant in the city, which I am to get changed; for you must know that I am to go with them to Scotland myself. How! Sir William. Jarvis. It seems the young gentleman is obliged to take a different road from his mistress, as he is to call upon an uncle of his that lives out of the way, in order to prepare a place for their reception, when they return; so they have borrowed me from my master, as the properest person to attend the young lady down. vis. Sir William. To the land of matrimony! A pleasant journey, Jar Jarvis. Ay, but I'm only to have all the fatigues on't. Sir William. Well, it may be shorter and less fatiguing than you imagine. I know but too much of the young lady's family and connections, whom I have seen abroad. I have also discovered that Miss Richland is not indifferent to my thoughtless nephew; and will endeavor, though I fear, in vain, to establish that connection. But, come, the letter I wait for must be almost finished; I'll let you farther into my intentions in the next room. [Exeunt ACT THE FOURTH. SCENE, CROAKER'S House, Lofty. WELL, sure the devil's in me of late, for running my head into such defiles, as nothing but a genius like my own could draw me from. I was formerly contented to husband out my places and pensions with some degree of frugality; but, curse it, of late I have given away the whole Court Register in less time than they could print the title page: yet, hang it, why scruple a lie or two to come at a fine girl, when I every day tell a thousand for nothing. Ha! Honeywood here before me. Could Miss Richland have set him at liberty? Enter HONEYWOOD. Mr. Honeywood, I'm glad to see you abroad again. I find my concurrence was not necessary in your unfortunate affairs. I had put things in a train to do your business; but it is not for me to say what I intended doing. Honeywood. It was indeed unfortunate, Sir. But what adds to my uneasiness is, that while you seem to be acquainted with my misfortune, I myself continue still a stranger to my benefactor. Lofty. How! not know the friend that served you? I have; but all I can learn is, that he chuses to remain concealed, and that all enquiry must be fruitless. Must be fruitless! Lofty. Honeywood. Absolutely fruitless. Lofty. Sure of that? Honeywood. Very sure. Lofty. Then I'll be damn'd if you shall ever know it from me. Honeywood. How, Sir! Lofty. I suppose now, Mr. Honeywood, you think my rent-roll very considerable, and that I have vast sums of money to throw away; I know you do. The world to be sure says such things of me. Honeywood. The world, by what I learn, is no stranger to your generosity. But where does this tend? Lofty. To nothing; nothing in the world. The town, to be sure, when it makes such a thing as me the subject of conversation, has asserted, that I never yet patronised a man of merit. Honeywood. I have heard instances to the contrary, even from yourself. Lofty. Yes, Honeywood, and there are instances to the contrary, that you shall never hear from myself. Honeywood. Ha! dear Sir, permit me to ask you but one question. Lofty. Sir, ask me no questions: I say, Sir, ask me no questions; I'll be damn'd if I answer them. Honeywood. I will ask no farther. My friend! my benefactor, it is, it must be here, that I am indebted for freedom, for honor. Yes, thou worthiest of men, from the beginning I suspected it, but was afraid to return thanks; which, if undeserved, might seem reproaches. Lofty. I protest I do not understand all this, Mr. Honeywood. You treat me very cavalierly. I do assure you, Sir-Blood, Sir, can't a man be permitted to enjoy the luxury of his own feelings, without all this parade! Honeywood. Nay, do not attempt to conceal an action that adds to your honor. Your looks, your air, your manner, all confess it. Lofty. Confess it, Sir! Torture itself, Sir, shall never bring me to confess it. Mr. Honeywood, I have admitted you upon terms of friendship Don't let us fall out: make me happy, and let this be buried in oblivion: you know I hate ostentation: you know I do. Come, come, Honeywood, you know I always loved to be a friend, and not a patron. I beg this may make no kind of distance between us. Come, come, you and I must be more familiar. Indeed we must. Honeywood. Heavens! can I ever repay such friendship? Is there any way! Thou best of men, can I ever return the ●bligation? Lofty. A bagatelle, a mere bagatelle! But I see your heart is laboring to be grateful. You shall be grateful. It would be cruel to disappoint you. Honeywood. How! teach me the manner. Is there any way? Lofty. From this moment you are mine. Yes, my friend, you shall know it-I'm in love. |
