“I CAN TALK MY TWO HOURS WITHOUT FEELING THE WANT OF THEM.”
Mrs. C. And yet, I dare say, you don’t want assurance when you come to solicit for your friends.
Lofty. Oh, there, indeed, I’m in bronze! Apropos, I have just been mentioning Miss Richland’s case to a certain personage; we must name no names. When I ask, I am not to be put off, madam. No, no; I take my friend by the button: a fine girl, sir; great justice in her case. A friend of mine. Borough interest. Business must be done, Mr. Secretary. I say, Mr. Secretary, her business must be done, sir. That’s my way, madam.
Mrs. C. Bless me! You said all this to the Secretary of State, did you?
Lofty. I did not say the Secretary, did I? Well, curse it! since you have found me out, I will not deny it. It was to the Secretary.
Mrs. C. This was going to the fountain-head at once; not applying to the understrappers, as Mr. Honeywood would have had us.
Lofty. Honeywood! he, he! He was, indeed, a fine solicitor. I suppose you have heard what has just happened to him?
Mrs. C. Poor, dear man! no accident, I hope.
Lofty. Undone, madam, that’s all. His creditors have taken him into custody. A prisoner in his own house.
Mrs. C. A prisoner in his own house? How! I am quite unhappy for him.