Clara. (interrupting) Oh, sir, spare my father!—I promise you that I will finish whatever I begin. What’s your next command?
Sir W. Promise me that you will never make a promise to a tenant, nor any agreement about business, but in writing—and empower me to say that you will never keep any verbal promise about business—then, none such will ever be claimed.
Clara. I promise you—Stay!—this is a promise about business: I must give it to you in writing.
{Miss O’HARA sits down to a writing-table, and writes.
Sir W. (looking out of the window) I hope I have been early enough in giving this my second piece of advice, worth a hundred sequins—for I see the yard is crowded with gray-coated suitors, and the table here is already covered with letters and petitions.
Clara. Yes, uncle, but I have not read half of them yet.
{Presents the written promise to Sir WILLIAM.
Sir W. Thank you, my dear; and you will be thankful to me for this when I am dead and gone.
Clara. And whilst you are alive and here, if you please, uncle. Now, sir, since you are so kind to say that your time is at my disposal, will you have the goodness to come with me to these gray-coated suitors, and let us give answers to these poor petitioners, who, “as in duty bound, will ever pray.”
{Takes up a bundle of papers.