Sir W. So! so! Madam! together again, hey? sir Rowland, your servant.
Sir R. I need not tell you, sir Willoughby, that this undutiful boy’s conduct does not meet with my sanction.
Char. No! sir Willoughby—I am sorry to say my conduct seldom meets with my father’s sanction.
Sir W. Why look ye, sir Rowland, there are certain things that we do like, and certain things that we do not like—now sir, to cut the matter short, I do like my daughter to marry, but I do not like either your son or your nephew for her husband.
Sir R. This is a very sudden change, sir Willoughby—
Sir W. Yes, sir Rowland, I have made two or three sudden changes to day!—I’ve changed my resolution—I feel changed myself—for I’ve changed characters with my wife, and with your leave I mean to change my son-in-law.
Sir R. Of course, sir, you will give me a proper explanation of the last of these changes.
Sir W. Sir, if you’ll meet me presently at your attorney’s, the thing will explain itself: this way, young lady if you please—Charles, I believe you are a devilish honest fellow, and I want an honest fellow for a son-in-law—but I think it is rather too much to give twelve thousand a year for him—this way Miss Helen. [Exit sir Willoughby and Helen.
Sir R. This sudden resolution of sir Willoughby will still more exasperate him—I must seek him instantly, for the crisis of my fate is at hand; my own heart is witness against me—Heaven is my judge, and I have deserved my punishment! [Exit sir R.
Char. So! I’m much mistaken, or there’ll be a glorious bustle presently at the old lawyer’s—He has sent to beg I’ll attend, and as my heart is a little at rest in this quarter, I’ll e’en see what’s going forward in that—whether his intention be to expose or to abet a villain, still I’ll be one amongst them; for while I have a heart to feel and a hand to act, I can never be an idle spectator when insulted virtue raises her supplicating voice on one side, and persecution dares to lift his unblushing head on the other. [Exit.