Counsellor. Send in the porter. [Exit Servant. Counsellor looking at the papers]. That will do very well. As Brook stands plaintiff, all the odium will fall upon him; we only give him what the law prescribes. [Enter Porter.] Take that immediately to the Commissioners—say, I shall have the honour of waiting on them myself towards evening. [Porter going] I request them to be expeditious. [Exit Porter]. Well, well, Mr. Drave, I think you will learn better manners, and take care how you forbid people your house again.
Enter LEWIS BROOK.
Counsellor. Where, in the name of fortune, have you been raking all this time? Your affair with Drave is in great forwardness.
Lewis. So? Already?
Counsellor. Certainly—'Tis singular enough, that you should live next door to him, and know nothing of the matter.
Lewis. Yes; but I seldom come home. I was with Paulino. We had such excellent wine, and such a pleasant party!
Counsellor. Very well; but for the present you must let your excellent wine and agreeable parties alone, and keep out of the way, to avoid troublesome questions or entreaties. Now attend to me.
Lewis. Must I absolutely hear?
Counsellor. Yes, yes,
Lewis. From agreeable company, to your tiresome law-suits, I hate it.