Mr. S. I was about to say that I want to speak to you on a most serious and important matter.
Fred. Dear me, that’s very odd! Do you know I was about to say the very same thing! I am most anxious to speak to you on a most serious and most important matter. Excuse me for one moment, while I give this note to Robins.
Mr. S. Whom are you writing to?
Fred. To my darling, of course?[Exit.
Mr. S. To his darling! Poor lad! He’s a noble fellow! No mercenary thought in connection with the girl has ever entered his head! But he must never marry her. Every thing points to the fact that Mrs. Van Brugh’s marriage was illegal, and, if so, her daughter is portionless. Thank Heaven! his sense of moral rectitude is so high that when he knows that her mother’s conduct is open to suspicion he may feel bound to dissociate himself from her. Ah, it is a pleasant and a goodly thing when a parent finds that the strict principles he has instilled into his offspring are bearing golden fruit on which they both may feed!
Enter Frederick.
Mr. S. (aside).} How shall I break it to him?
Fred. (aside).} How shall I begin?
Fred. Now I’m at your disposal.