Char. Unexpected pleasure, they say, sir, is always most welcome—I hope you find it so.
Sir R. This conduct, youngster, requires explanation.
Char. Sir, I have it ready at my tongue’s end—My lord, I ask your pardon—I’m glad to see you too.
Lord A. I wish, sir, I could return the compliment; but this extraordinary conduct—
Char. No apologies, my lord, for your civil speech—you might easily have returned the compliment in the same words, and, believe me, with as much sincerity as it was offered.
Sir R. This is no time for dissention, sir—
Lord A. My cousin forgets, sir Rowland, that although united by ties of consanguinity, birth and fortune have placed me in a station which commands some respect.
Char. No, my lord, for I also am in a station where I too command respect, where I respect and am respected. I therefore well know what is due to my superiors; and this duty I never forget, till those above me forget what they owe to themselves.
Lord A. I am not aware, good cousin, that I have ever yet forfeited my title to the respect I claim.
Char. You have, my lord: for high rank forfeits every claim to distinction when it exacts submissive humility from those beneath it, while at the same time it refuses a graceful condescension in exchange.