Wheel. (taking Bursal by the arm). Bursal, a word with you. (Aside to Bursal.) What a lump of family pride that Lord John is.
Talb. Keep out of my hearing, Wheeler, lest I should spoil sport. But never fear: you’ll please Bursal sooner than I shall. I can’t, for the soul of me, bring myself to say that Bursal’s not purse-proud, and you can. Give you joy.
Burs. A choice electioneerer!—ha! ha! ha!
Wheel. (faintly). He! he! he!—a choice electioneerer, as you say.
(Exeunt Wheeler and Bursal; manent Lord J. and Talbot.)
Lord J. There was a time, Talbot—
Talb. There was a time, my lord—to save trouble and a long explanation—there was a time when you liked Talbots better than spaniels; you understand me?
Lord J. I have found it very difficult to understand you of late, Mr. Talbot.
Talb. Yes, because you have used other people’s understandings instead of your own. Be yourself, my lord. See with your own eyes, and hear with your own ears, and then you’ll find me still, what I’ve been these seven years; not your understrapper, your hanger-on, your flatterer, but your friend! If you choose to have me for a friend, here’s my hand. I am your friend, and you’ll not find a better.
Lord J. (giving his hand). You are a strange fellow, Talbot; I thought I never could have forgiven you for what you said last night.