Follower.

Ay, ay, before and behind, before and behind. [Excunt Honeywood, Bailiff and Follower.

Mean, madam! why, what should it mean, but what Mr. Lofty sent you here to see! These people he calls officers are officers sure enough: sheriff's officers; bailiffs, madam.

Miss Richland.

Ay, it is certainly so. Well, though his perplexities are far from giving me pleasure, yet I own there's something very ridiculous in them, and a just punishment for his dissimulation.

Garnet.

And so they are. But I wonder, madam, that the lawyer you just employed to pay his debts, and set him free, has not done it by this time. He ought at least to have been here before now. But lawyers are always more ready to get a man into troubles, than out of them.

Enter Sir WILLIAM.

For Miss Richland to undertake setting him free, I own was quite unexpected. It has totally unhinged my schemes to reclaim him. Yet it gives me pleasure to find that among a number of worthless friendships, he has made one acquisition of real value; for there must be some softer passion on her side that prompts this generosity. Ha! here before me: I'll endeavor

to sound her affections. Madam, as I am the person that have had some demands upon the gentleman of this house, I hope you'll excuse me, if before I enlarged him, I wanted to see yourself.

Miss Richland.

The precaution was very unnecessary, Sir. I suppose your wants were only such as my agent had power to satisfy.

Sir William.

Partly, madam. But I was also willing you should be fully apprized of the character of the gentleman you intended to serve.

Miss Richland.

It must come, Sir, with a very ill grace from you. To censure it, after what you have done, would look like malice; and to speak favorably of a character you have oppressed, would be impeaching your own. And sure his tenderness, his humanity, his universal friendship, may atone for many faults.

Sir William.

That friendship, madam, which is exerted in too wide a sphere, becomes totally useless. Our bounty, like a drop of water, disappears when diffused too widely. They who pretend most to this universal benevolence, are either deceivers or dupes. Men who desire to cover their private ill-nature, by a pretended regard for all; or, men who, reasoning themselves into false feelings, are more earnest in pursuit of splendid, than of useful virtues.

Miss Richland.

I am surprised, Sir, to hear one who has probably

been a gainer by the folly of others, so severe in his censure of it.

Sir William.

Whatever I may have gained by folly, madam, you see I am willing to prevent your losing by it.

Miss Richland.

Your cares for me, Sir, are unnecessary. I always suspect those services which are denied where they are wanted, and offered, perhaps, in hopes of a refusal. No, Sir, my directions have been given, and I insist upon their being complied with.

Sir William.

Thou amiable woman! I can no longer contain the expression of my gratitude: my pleasure. You see before you one, who has been equally careful of his interest; one, who has for some time been a concealed spectator of his follies, and only punished, in hopes to reclaim them-his uncle!

Miss Richland.

Sir William Honeywood! You amaze me. How shall I conceal my confusion? I fear, Sir, you'll think I have been too forward in my services. I confess I

Sir William.

Don't make any apologies, madam. I only find myself unable to repay the obligation. And yet, I have been trying my interest of late to serve you. Having learnt, madam, that you had some demands upon government, I have, though unasked, been your solicitor there.

1

Miss Richland.

Sir, I'm infinitely obliged to your intentions. But my guardian has employed another gentleman, who assures him of success.

Sir William.

Who, the important little man that visits here? Trust me, madam, he's quite contemptible among men in power, and utterly unable to serve you. Mr. Lofty's promises are much better known to people of fashion, than his person, I assure you.

Miss Richland.

How have we been deceived! As sure as can be, here he comes.

Sir William.

Does he! Remember I'm to continue unknown. My return to England has not as yet been made public. With what impudence he enters!

Enter LOFTY.

Lofty.

Let the chariot-let my chariot drive off; I'll visit to his Grace's in a chair. Miss Richland here before me! Punctual, as usual, to the calls of humanity. I'm very sorry, madam, things of this kind should happen, especially to a man I have shewn every where, and carried amongst us as a particular acquaintance.

Miss Richland.

I find, Sir, you have the art of making the misfortunes of others your own.

Lofty.

My dear madam, what can a private man like me do? One man can't do every thing; and then, I do 50 much in this way every day: let me see; something considerable might be done for him by subscription; it could not fail if I carried the list. I'll undertake to set down a brace of dukes, two dozen lords, and half the lower house, at my own peril.

Sir William.

And, after all, it's more than probable, Sir, he might reject the offer of such powerful patronage.

Lofty.

Then, madam, what can we do? You know I never make promises. In truth, I once or twice tried to do something with him in the way of business; but, as I often told his uncle, Sir William Honeywood, the man was utterly impracticable.

Sir William.

His uncle! then that gentleman, I suppose, is a particular friend of yours.

Lofty,

Meaning me, Sir?-Yes, madam, as I often said, my dear Sir William, you are sensible I would do any thing, as far as my poor interest goes, to serve your family but what can be done? there's no procuring first-rate places for ninth-rate abilities.

Miss Richland.

I have heard of Sir William Honeywood; he's abroad in employment; he confided in your judgment, I suppose.