Lord Fitz. Mine is the oldest estate in England, Sir Simon.
Sir Simon. If we may judge of age by decay, my lord, it must be very ancient, indeed!—But this goes to something in the shape of supplies. [Untying the Papers.] "Covenant between Augustus Julius Braymore, Earl of Fitz Balaam, of Cullender Castle, in the county of Cumberland, and Simon Rochdale, Baronet, of Hollyhock House, in the county of Cornwall."——By the by, my lord, considering what an expense attends that castle, which is at your own disposal, and that, if the auctioneer don't soon knock it down, the weather will, I wonder what has prevented your lordship's bringing it to the hammer.
Lord Fitz. The dignity of my ancestors. I have blood in my family, Sir Simon——
[Proudly.
Sir Simon. A deal of excellent blood, my lord; but from the butler down to the house-dog, curse me if ever I saw so little flesh in a family before—But by this covenant——
Lord Fitz. You clear off the largest mortgage.
Sir Simon. Right;—for which purpose, on the day of the young folks' marriage——
Lord Fitz. You must pay me forty thousand pounds.
Sir Simon. Right, again. Your lordship says little; but 'tis terribly plump to the point, indeed, my lord. Here is the covenant;—and, now, will your lordship look over the marriage articles?
Lord Fitz. My attorney will be here to-morrow, Sir Simon. I prefer reading by deputy.