Miss Rich. This, Mr. Lofty, was very kind, indeed.
Lofty. I did love him, to be sure; he had some amusing qualities; no man was fitter to be toastmaster to a club, or had a better head.
Miss Rich. A better head?
Lofty. Ay, at a bottle. To be sure he was as dull as a choice spirit; but hang it, he was grateful, very grateful; and gratitude hides a multitude of faults.
Sir Will. He might have reason, perhaps. His place is pretty considerable, I'm told.
Lofty. A trifle, a mere trifle, among us men of business. The truth is, he wanted dignity to fill up a greater.
Sir Will. Dignity of person, do you mean sir? I'm told he's much about my size and figure, sir.
Lofty. Ay, tall enough for a marching regiment; but then he wanted a something—a consequence of form—a kind of a—I believe the lady perceives my meaning.
Miss Rich. O perfectly; you courtiers can do any thing, I see.
Lofty. My dear madam, all this is but a mere exchange; we do greater things for one another every day. Why as thus, now; let me suppose you the first lord of the treasury; you have an employment in you that I want; I have a place in me that you want; do me here, do you there: interest on both sides, few words, flat, done and done, and it's over.