Susan. That she will tell you herself. Here she comes.
Enter Mrs. Haller, (with a letter, a Maid following.
Mrs. H. Very well; if those things are done, let the drawing room be made ready immediately.—[Exit Maids.] And, George, run immediately into the park, and tell Mr. Solomon I wish to speak with him. [Exit Footman.] I cannot understand this. I do not learn whether their coming to this place be but the whim of a moment, or a plan for a longer stay: if the latter, farewell, solitude! farewell, study!—farewell!—Yes, I must make room for gaiety, and mere frivolity. Yet could I willingly submit to all; but, should the Countess give me new proofs of her attachment, perhaps of her respect, Oh! how will my conscience upbraid me! Or—I shudder at the thought! if this seat be visited by company, and chance should conduct hither any of my former acquaintance—Alas! alas! how wretched is the being who fears the sight of any one fellow-creature! But, oh! superior misery! to dread still more the presence of a former friend!—Who's there?
Enter Peter.
Pet. Nobody. It's only me.
Mrs. H. So soon returned?
Pet. Sharp lad, a'n't I? On the road I've had a bit of talk too, and—
Mrs. H. But you have observed my directions!
Pet. Oh, yes, yes:—I told old Tobias as how he would never know as long as he lived that the money came from you.
Mrs. H. You found him quite recovered, I hope?