they made a better appearance
when they first came, or I had not taken such
persons to live thus near to your master.

  BLUNTLY.

That girl (looking at Eleanor) seems very
pretty—and I dare say my master would not care
if he was nearer to her.

  BLACKMAN.

Pshaw, pshaw—she is a poor creature—she is
in great distress. She is misery itself.

  BLUNTLY.

I feel quite charmed with misery.—Who belongs
to her?

  BLACKMAN.

A young man who says he is her brother—
very likely he is not—but that I should not enquire
about, if they could pay my rent. If
people will pay me, I don't care what they are.
(Addressing himself to Eleanor) I desire you
will tell your brother when he comes in, that I
have occasion for the money which will be due
to me to-morrow—and if I don't receive it before
to-morrow night, he must seek some other
habitation.

  BLUNTLY.

Hush, Mr. Blackman—if you speak so loud,
you will have our company in the next house
hear you.

  BLACKMAN.

And if they did, do you think it would spoil
their dancing? No, Mr. Bluntly.—And in that
respect, I am a person of fashion.—I never suffer
any distress to interfere with my enjoyments.

  ELEANOR. [Coming to him.

Dear sir, have but patience a little while
longer.—Indeed, I hope you will lose nothing.

  BLACKMAN.

I won't lose any thing. [Going.

  ELEANOR. [Following him.

Sir, I would speak a single word to you, if
you will be so good as to hear me?

  BLUNTLY.

Ay, stay and hear her.

  ELEANOR. [Looking at Bluntly.

But I wish to speak to him by ourselves.

  BLUNTLY.

Then I'll withdraw.

  BLACKMAN.

What have you to say? [In anger.

  BLUNTLY.

Hear her, Mr. Blackman—or may none of
her sex ever listen to you.

[Exit.   BLACKMAN.

If it is only to entreat me to let you continue
here, I am gone in an instant.——Come, speak
quickly, for I have no time to lose.—Come,
speak, speak.

  ELEANOR.

But are you resolved to have no pity? You
know in what a helpless situation we are—and
the deplorable state of my poor father.

[Weeping.   BLACKMAN.

Ay, I thought what you had to say—farewel,
farewel.

  ELEANOR. [Laying hold of him.

Oh! do not plunge us into more distress
than we can bear; but open your heart to compassion.

  BLACKMAN.

I can't——'tis a thing I never did in my life.

[Going, he meets Bluntly, who stops him.   BLUNTLY.

Well, have you granted her request?

  BLACKMAN.

I would do a great deal to oblige you, Mr.
Bluntly—and if you will only give your word
for the trifle of rent owing, why, I am not so
hard-hearted but I will suffer her to stay.

  BLUNTLY.

Well, well,—I will give my word.

  BLACKMAN.

But remember, it is not to be put down to
your master's account, but to your own.—I am
not to give credit.

  ELEANOR.

Nor am I to lay my brother under an obligation
of this nature. (To Bluntly) I thank you
for your offer, sir, but I cannot accept it.

  BLACKMAN. [In extreme anger.

What do you mean by that?

  BLUNTLY.

Perhaps she is right.

  ELEANOR.

My brother would resent my acceptance of a
favour from a stranger.

  BLACKMAN.

Your brother resent! A poor man resent!
Did you ever hear of any body's regarding a
poor man's resentment?

  ELEANOR.

No—nor a poor woman's prayers.

  BLACKMAN.

Yes, I will regard your prayers, if you will
suffer this gentleman to be your friend.

  ELEANOR.

Any acquaintance of your's, Mr. Blackman,
I must distrust.

  BLACKMAN.

Do you hear with what contempt she treats
us both?