Gilb. Thank you, sir, but I do—and I should be main sorry to leave you, that’s sartin, if it was even to be landlord of the best inn in all England—I know I should.
Sir W. I believe it.—But, stay—let us understand one another—I am not talking of England, and perhaps you are not thinking of Ireland.
Gilb. Yes, sir, but I am.
Sir W. You are! I am heartily glad to hear it, for then I can serve you directly. This young heiress, my niece, to whom this town belongs, has a new inn ready built.
Gilb. I know, sir.
Sir W. Then, Gilbert, write a proposal for this inn, if you wish for it, and I will speak to my niece.
Gilb. (bowing) I thank you, sir—only I hope I shall not stand in any honest man’s light. As to a dishonest man, I can’t say I value standing in his light, being that he has no right to have any, as I can see.
Sir W. So, Gilbert, you will settle in Ireland at last? I am heartily glad to see you have overcome your prejudices against this country. How has this been brought about?
Gilb. Why, sir, the thing was, I didn’t know nothing about it, and there was a many lies told backwards and forwards of Ireland, by a many that ought to have known better.
Sir W. And now that you have seen with your own eyes, you are happily convinced that in Ireland the men are not all savages.