Sir WILLIAM.

Well, it may be shorter, and lefs fatiguing, than you imagine. I know but too much of the young lady's family and connections, whom I have feen abroad. I have alfo difcovered that Mifs Richland is not indifferent to my thoughtlefs nephew; and will endeavour, though I fear, in vain, to establish that connection. But, come, the letter I wait for must be almost finished; I'll let you further into my intentions, in the next room.

[Exeunt.

ACT

ACT THE FOURTH.

SCENE, CROAKER'S Houfe.

LOFTY.

WELL, fure the devil's in me of late, for running my head into fuch defiles, as nothing but a genius like my own could draw me from. I was formerly contented to husband out my places and penfions with fome degree of frugality; but, curfe it, of late I have given away the whole Court Regifter in less time than they could print the title page yet, hang it, why fcruple a lie or two to come at fine girl, when I every day tell a thoufand for nothing. Ha! Honeywood here before me. Could Mifs Richland have fet him at liberty?

Enter HONEYWOOD.

Mr. Honeywood, I'm glad to fee you abroad again. I find my concurrence was not neceffary in your unfortunate affairs. I had put things in a train to do your business; but it is not for me to say what Į intended doing,

Ho

HONEYWOOD.

It was unfortunate indeed, Sir. But what adds to my uneafinefs is, that while you seem to be acquainted with my misfortune, I, myself, continue ftill a ftranger to my benefactor.

LOFTY.

How! not know the friend that served you?
HONEYWOOD.

Can't guess at the person.

Inquire.

LOFTY.

HONEYWOOD.

i have; but all I can learn is, that he chufes to rema concealed, and that all inquiry must be fruitlefs.

Then I'll be damn'd if you fhall ever know it

from me.

HONEYWOOD,

How, Sir!

LOFTY,

LOFTY.

I fuppofe now, Mr. Honeywood, you think my rent-roll very confiderable, and that I have vast fums of money to throw away; I know you do. The

world to be fure fays fuch things of me.

HONEYWOOD.

The world, by what I learn, is no ftranger to your generofity. But where does this tend?

LOFTY.

To nothing; nothing in the world. The town, to be fure, when it makes fuch a thing as me the fubject of conversation, has afferted, that I never

yet patronized a man of merit.

HONEYWOOD.

I have heard inftances to the contrary, even from yourself.

LOFTY.

Yes, Honeywood, and there are inftances to the contrary, that you shall never hear from myself.

Sir, afk me no queftions: I fay, Sir, afk me no queftions; I'll be damn'd, if I answer them.

HONEYWOOD.

I will ask no further. My friend! my benefactor, it is, it must be here, that I am indebted for freedom, for honour. Yes, thou worthieft of men,

from

་

from the beginning I fufpected it, but was afraid to return thanks; which, if undeserved, might seem reproaches.

LOFTY.

I proteft I don't understand all this, Mr. Honeywood. You treat me very cavalierly. I do affure 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 honour. Your looks, your air, your manner, all confefs it.

LOFTY.

Confefs it, Sir! Torture itself, Sir, fhall never bring me to confefs 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 oftentation; 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 familiarIndeed we must.

HONEYWOOD.

Heavens! Can I ever repay fuch friendship! Is there any way! Thou beft of men, can I ever return the obligation?