Next Door Neighbours Part 7

BLUNTLY.

If she refuses, she is worth a thousand--but if she complies, you have thrown away your money.

SIR GEORGE.

Just the reverse.

BLUNTLY.

But I hope, sir, you do not mean to throw away any more thus--for although this sum, by way of charity, may be well applied, yet indeed, sir, I know some of your creditors as much in want as this poor family.

SIR GEORGE.

How!--You are in pay by some of my creditors I suppose?

BLUNTLY.

No, Sir, you must pay them, before they can pay any body.

SIR GEORGE.

You are impertinent--leave the room instantly, and go in search of this sister; now, while the son is gone to release his father.--Tell her, her brother is here, and bring her hither immediately.

BLUNTLY.

But, sir, if you will only give me leave to speak one word--

SIR GEORGE.

Do, speak; [_Goes to the chimney-piece and takes down a pistol_] only speak a single syllable, and I'll send a ball instantly through your head.

BLUNTLY.

I am dumb, Sir--I don't speak indeed, Sir--upon my life I don't. I wish I may die if I speak a word.

SIR GEORGE.

Go on the errand I told you; and if you dare to return without the girl this is your fate. [_Holding up the pistol._

BLUNTLY.

Yes, Sir. [_Exit._

SIR GEORGE. [_Laying the pistol on the table._ Impertinent puppy; to ruffle the temper of a man of fashion with hints of prudence and morality, and paying his debts--all this from a servant too. The insolent, chattering----

_Enter_ BLUNTLY.

BLUNTLY.

May I speak now, sir?

SIR GEORGE.

What have you to say?

BLUNTLY.

Mr. Blackman, sir.

SIR GEORGE.

Bid him come in.

_Enter_ BLACKMAN. _Exit_ BLUNTLY.

SIR GEORGE.

Good morning, Mr. Blackman; come, sit down.

BLACKMAN. [_Bowing respectfully._ I am glad, Sir George, I have found you alone, for I come to speak to you on important business.

SIR GEORGE.

Business!----no--not now if you please.

BLACKMAN.

But I must, sir--I have been here ten times before, and have been put off, but now you must hear what I have to say.

SIR GEORGE.

Don't be long then--don't be tedious, Mr. Blackman--for I expect a, a--in short, I expect a pretty woman.

BLACKMAN.

When she comes, I will go.

SIR GEORGE.

Very well, speak quickly then. What have you to say?

BLACKMAN.

I come to speak upon the subject of your father's will; by which you know, you run the hazard of losing great part of what he left behind.

SIR GEORGE.

But what am I to do?

BLACKMAN.

There is no time to be lost. Consider, that Mr. Manly, the lawyer, whom your father employed, is a man who pretends to a great deal of morality; and it was he who, when your father found himself dying, alarmed his conscience, and persuaded him to make this Will in favour of a second person. Now, I think that you and I both together, ought to have a meeting with this conscientious lawyer.

SIR GEORGE.

But I should imagine, Mr. Blackman, that if he is really a conscientious man, you and he will not be upon good terms.

BLACKMAN.

Oh! people of our avocation differ in respect to conscience. Puzzle, confound, and abuse each other, and yet are upon good terms.

SIR GEORGE.

But I fear----

BLACKMAN.

Fear nothing.--There are a vast number of resources in our art.--It is so s.p.a.cious, and yet so confined--so sublime, and yet so profound--so distinct, and yet so complicated--that if ever this person with whom your fortune is divided should be found, I know how to envelope her in a labyrinth, where she shall be lost again in a hurry.----But your father's lawyer being a very honest--I mean a very particular man in his profession,--I have reason to fear we cannot gain him over to our purpose.--If, therefore,--

_Enter_ BLUNTLY.

SIR GEORGE.

My visitor is come, as I told you.

BLACKMAN. [_Rising._ And I am gone, as I told you. [_Going._