SCENE I.
An Apartment.
Enter Clifford and Mr. Rightly.
Cliff. Your knowledge in the profession, Mr. Rightly, is as unquestionable as your integrity; but there is something so surprising in the recovery of the Charlton estate.—If you knew, too, how the value of the acquisition is enhanced, by the opportune moment in which it presents itself—I am in too much emotion to thank you as I ought.
Rightly. Sir, I want neither compliment, nor acknowledgment, for revealing what I should be a party to dishonesty to conceal.
Cliff. You have a right to all my thoughts: but I have an appointment to obey, that admits no time for explanation; favour me for a moment with your pencil, [Rightly takes out a Pencil and Pocket-book.] and a blank page in that memorandum-book.
[Clifford writes.
Rightly. My life on't, his head is turned upon some girl not worth a shilling—There is an amiable defect, but a very observable one, in the nature of some men. A good head and heart operate as effectually as vice or folly could do to make them improvident.
Cliff. Mr. Rightly, I confide to your hands a new secret relative to the Charlton estate; do not read it till you return home. [Gives the Book, aside, and going.] There, Gayville, is one reply to your challenge—and now for another.
Rightly. One moment, sir—I engage for no secrecy that my own judgment shall not warrant.
Cliff. And the benevolence of your heart approve—Those are my conditions.
[Exeunt on opposite Sides.