LADY K.—Clarence, my child, my child!
JOHN.—Your ladyship needn't be alarmed; I'm a little man, my lady, but I don't think Mr. Clarence was a-goin' for to hit me, my lady; not before a lady, I'm sure. I suppose, sir, that you WON'T pay the boatman?
K.—No, sir, I won't pay him, nor any man who uses this sort of damned impertinence!
JOHN.—I told Rullocks, sir, I thought it was JEST possible you wouldn't. [Exit.]
K.—That's a nice man, that is—an impudent villain!
LADY K.—Ruined by Horace's weakness. He ruins everybody, poor good-natured Horace!
K.—Why don't you get rid of the blackguard?
LADY K.—There is a time for all things, my dear. This man is very convenient to Horace. Mr. Milliken is exceedingly lazy, and Howell spares him a great deal of trouble. Some day or other I shall take all this domestic trouble off his hands. But not yet: your poor brother-in-law is restive, like many weak men. He is subjected to other influences: his odious mother thwarts me a great deal.
K.—Why, you used to be the dearest friends in the world. I recollect when I was at Eton—
LADY K.—Were; but friendship don't last for ever. Mrs. Bonnington and I have had serious differences since I came to live here: she has a natural jealousy, perhaps, at my superintending her son's affairs. When she ceases to visit at the house, as she very possibly will, things will go more easily; and Mr. Howell will go too, you may depend upon it. I am always sorry when my temper breaks out, as it will sometimes.