o'clock.

  SERVANT.

We have only to fix up the new chandelier.

  BLUNTLY.

I'll have no new chandelier.

  SERVANT.

My master said the last ball he gave, the company
were in the dark.

  BLUNTLY.

And if you blind them with too much light,
they will be in the dark still.

  SERVANT.

The musicians, sir, wish for some wine.

  BLUNTLY.

What, before the ball begins? No, tell them
if they are tipsy at the end of it, it will be quite
soon enough.

  SERVANT.

You are always so cross, Mr. Bluntly, when
my master is going to have company.

  BLUNTLY.

Have not I a right to be cross? For while
the whole house is in good humour, if there was
not one person cross enough to take a little care,
every thing would be wasted and ruined through
extreme good temper. (A man crosses the stage.)
Here, you—Mister——Pray are you the person
who was sent with the chandelier?

  SHOPMAN.

Yes, sir.

  BLUNTLY.

Then please to take it back again—We don't
want it.

  SHOPMAN.

What is your objection to it, sir?

  BLUNTLY.

It will cost too much.

  SHOPMAN.

Mr. Bluntly, all the trades-people are more
frightened at you than at your master.—Sir
George, Heaven bless him! never cares how
much a thing costs.

  BLUNTLY.

That is, because he never cares whether he
pays for it or not——but if he did, depend
upon it he would be very particular. Tradesmen
all wish to be paid for their ware, don't
they?

  SHOPMAN.

Certainly, sir.

  BLUNTLY.

Then why will they force so many unnecessary
things, and make so many extravagant
charges as to put all power of payment out of
the question?

  Enter Evans:——The Tradesman goes off at the
opposite Door.   BLUNTLY.

How do you do, Mrs. Evans? [Sullenly.

  EVANS.

What makes you sigh, Mr. Bluntly?

  BLUNTLY.

What makes you smile?

  EVANS.

To see all the grand preparations for the ball
this evening. I anticipate the joy my lady will
take here, and I smile for her.

  BLUNTLY.

And I sigh for my master.—I foresee all the
bills that will be brought in, for this evening's
expence, and I anticipate the sorrow it will one
day be to him.

  EVANS.

But consider, Mr. Bluntly, your master has
my lady's fortune to take.

  BLUNTLY.

Yes, but I consider he has your lady to take
along with it; and I prophecy one will stick by
him some time after the other is gone.

  EVANS.

For shame.—My lady, I have no doubt, will
soon cure Sir George of his extravagance.

  BLUNTLY.

It will then be by taking away the means.—
Why, Lady Caroline is as extravagant as himself.

  EVANS.

You are mistaken.—She never gives routs,
masquerades, balls, or entertainments of any
kind.

  BLUNTLY.

But she constantly goes to them whenever she
is invited.

  EVANS.

That, I call but a slight imprudence.—She
has no wasteful indiscretions like Sir George.
For instance, she never makes a lavish present.

  BLUNTLY.

No, but she takes a lavish present, as readily
as if she did.

  EVANS.

And surely you cannot call that imprudence?

  BLUNTLY.

No, I call it something worse.

  EVANS.

Then, although she loves gaming to distraction,
and plays deep, yet she never loses.

  BLUNTLY.

No, but she always wins—and that I call
something worse.

[A loud rapping at the street-door.   EVANS.

Here's the company. Will you permit me,
Mr. Bluntly, to stand in one corner, and have a
peep at them?

  BLUNTLY.

If you please. (Rapping again.) What spirit
there is in that, Rat,