Stra. Talk not to me of her charities. All women wish to be conspicuous:—in town by their wit; in the country by their heart.
Fra. 'Tis immaterial in what way good is done.
Stra. No; 'tis not immaterial.
Fra. To this poor old man at least.
Stra. He needs no assistance of mine.
Fra. His most urgent wants indeed, Mrs. Haller has relieved; but whether she has or could have given as much as would purchase liberty for the son, the prop of his age—
Stra. Silence! I will not give him a doit! [In a peevish tone.] You interest yourself very warmly in his behalf. Perhaps you are to be a sharer in the gift.
Fra. Sir, sir, that did not come from your heart.
Stra. [Recollecting himself.] Forgive me!
Fra. Poor master! How must the world have used you, before it could have instilled this hatred of mankind, this constant doubt of honesty and virtue!