Sir W. Who? The important little man that visits here? Trust me, madam, he’s quite contemptible among men in power, and utterly unable to serve you. Mr. Lofty’s promises are much better known to people of fashion than his person, I assure you.
Miss R. How have we been deceived! As sure as can be, here he comes.
Sir W. Does he? Remember, I am to continue unknown; my return to England has not as yet been made public. With what impudence he enters!
Enter Lofty.
Lofty. Let the chariot—let my chariot drive off; I’ll visit his Grace’s in a chair. Miss Richland here before me! Punctual, as usual, to the calls of humanity. I am very sorry, madam, things of this kind should happen, especially to a man I have shown everywhere, and carried amongst us as a particular acquaintance.
Miss R. I find, sir, you have the art of making the misfortunes of others your own.
Lofty. My dear madam, what can a private man like me do? One man can’t do everything—and, then, I do so much in this way every day. Let me see: something considerable might be done for him by subscription; it could not fail if I carried the list. I’ll undertake to set down a brace of dukes, two dozen lords, and half the lower house, at my own peril.
Sir W. And, after all, it is more than probable, sir, he might reject the offer of such powerful patronage
Lofty. Then, madam, what can we do? You know, I never make promises. In truth, I once or twice tried to do something with him in the way of business; but, as I often told his uncle, Sir William Honeywood, the man was utterly impracticable.
Sir W. His uncle! Then that gentleman, I suppose, is a particular friend of yours?