Honeyw. How, sir!
Lofty. I suppose now, Mr. Honeywood, you think my rent-roll very considerable, and that I have vast sums of money to throw away; I know you do. The world, to be sure says such things of me.
Honeyw. The world, by what I learn, is no stranger to your generosity. But where does this tend?
Lofty. To nothing; nothing in the world. The town, to be sure, when it makes such a thing as me the subject of conversation, has asserted, that I never yet patronised a man of merit.
Honeyw. I have heard instances to the contrary, even from yourself.
Lofty. Yes, Honeywood, and there are instances to the contrary that you shall never hear from myself.
Honeyw. Ha, dear sir, permit me to ask you but one question.
Lofty. Sir, ask me no questions; I say, sir, ask me no questions; I'll be damn'd if I answer them.
Honeyw. I will ask no further. My friend, my benefactor, it is, it must be here, that I am indebted for freedom for honour. Yes, thou worthiest of men, from the beginning I suspected it, but was afraid to return thanks; which, if undeserved, might seem reproaches.
Lofty. I protest I don't understand all this, Mr. Honeywood. You treat me very cavalierly, I do assure you, sir.—Blood, sir, can't a man be permitted to enjoy the luxury of his own feelings without all this parade?