Smith. Eighty pence, a dollar is no more than a penny.
Varick (in a voice meant as an affront). That is not true, Mr. Smith.
Franks, Arnold, Smith, Varick, all join in a hot dispute, until Mrs. Arnold, observing her husband in a passion, begged them to drop the matter. Varick soon quitted the table and went to his room which was then in the office. Smith went off soon after dinner and Arnold went to the office and took Franks to task in very illiberal language for affronting him.
Arnold. If I asked the Devil to dine with me the gentlemen of my family should be civil to him.
Franks. Let me tell you that if Smith had not been at your table I would have sent the bottle at his head. Hereafter I will treat him as a rascal.
Varick. It was I who affronted Smith, not Franks.
Franks (to Arnold). I have of late observed that you view every part of my conduct with an eye of prejudice. I beg you to discharge me from your family. [Leaves room in passion and goes to Newburgh, where he remains over night.]
The dispute continues between Arnold and Varick.
Varick (to Arnold). Smith is a —— —— rascal, a scoundrel and a Spy. My reason for affronting him is that I think him so. My advice to you has proceeded from a regard to your reputation which you wished should stand well in this State and which I have very often told you will suffer by an improper intimacy with Smith. Smith’s insolence to Franks and his ungentlemanlike conduct to Mrs. Arnold, in speaking impertinently to Franks before her in a language she did not understand, justifies Franks’ treating him as he did and worse, and also merited your resentment instead of countenance.
Arnold. I am always willing to be advised by the gentlemen of my family, but by —— I will not be dictated to by them. I think I possess as much prudence as the gentlemen of my family.