The Englishman from Paris Part 8

_Sir Robert._ Well, Mr. Quicksett, I told you he was reform'd.

_Quicksett._ No, no it will never do--he is reform'd indeed! To be plain with you Sir Robert, he's little better than a Monkey, I think. I have heard how he had the Mob at his heels today, and I don't wonder at it.

There's no harm done, Sir Robert, I'll take the Girl into the Country with me.

_Sir Robert._ Nay but dear Mr. Quicksett, let me speak to you.

_Quicksett._ In short his Journey to France has made him a mere Ragout--and so I'll go and order Harriet to pack up all her things.

_Sir Robert._ (_To Jack_) I told you what your foppery wou'd do--Ecod I am so provok'd I cou'd find it in my Heart to marry the Girl myself.

_Quicksett._ I'll tell you what, Sir Robert--you're still hale and hearty, and to show how willing I am to match with you, say but the word and you shall have her yourself before that weasen-fac'd thing--but where's Harriet? (_Exit_)

_Sir Robert._ Nay, nay, but Mr. Quicksett. (_Follows him_)

_Jack._ Hey! Who's without there? Here comes that clodpated fellow--

(_Enter_ ROGER)

Roger, let all my People be ready for me to dress.

_Roger._ Why the things are detained at the Coostum Hoose, and so there's no cloaths, unless you'll put on Something out of the old Trunk, you left above Stairs before you went abroad.

_Jack._ What, put on an English dress!

_Roger._ It would give my heart joy to see it, Master.

_Jack._ Was ever an unfortunate Gentleman in such distress? Such a day of Embarras, I never knew--pelted by the Mob, and my Father now threatening to have the Girl himself. Old Cojer is still a tough piece of Oak, and if he shou'd get a chopping Boy Egad, it may spoil the Beau.

Let me see--why as my French Manners are all mere Affectation and as it will be much harder for me to keep it up I don't know whether I had not better own the Truth.

_Roger._ You had, indeed Master, and be a brave Englishman as you was before.

_Jack._ Egad, I have a mind to surprize 'em with another Frolick--let me take a moment's thought. Roger do you follow me upstairs. (_Exit_)

(_Reenter_ SIR ROBERT _and_ QUICKSETT)

_Sir Robert._ The young Man, Mr. Quicksett has no harm in him in the main--

_Quicksett._ Well but you know I am a downright Englishman, and I can never think of marrying my Daughter to a ridiculous ape of _those perfidious Frenchman who have always been_ the Disturbers of Europe--_and now have put the Nation to such an Expense_.

(_Enter_ HARRIET)

_Harriet._ Did you send for me, Sir?

_Quicksett._ Yes child; you must pack up all your things, and to get ready to go with me into the country to-morrow Morning.

_Harriet._ I shall be ready to obey you, Sir.

_Sir Robert._ Well, but Mr. Quicksett believe me, when he is got off this folly, the young Man may still make a figure.

(_Enter_ ROGER)

_Roger._ Odds my heart! He'll be downstairs presently; a has taken another frolick, as he calls it, but if he sticks to it, it will be the best frolick I ever knew un to take.

_Sir Robert._ What's the matter Roger?

_Roger._ It will do your Heart good to see un--but here a comes.

(_Enter_ JACK _in an English Dress_)

_Jack._ There Gentlemen, behold me once more an honest Englishman.

_Quicksett._ Why now, indeed, he looks like something.

_Sir Robert._ Can this be in earnest Lad?

_Jack._ In downright Earnest, I a.s.sure you, Sir. I consider'd my French Manners as an Inc.u.mbrance after the many disasters of this day, and so I resolv'd at one bold fling, to discharge my whole Retinue of follies, and since my heart is in fact engag'd to this Lady, I hope Mr.

Quicksett, you will now give her hand to an undisguised Briton.

_Quicksett._ The Name and Look of a Briton warms my Blood, and if I thought you in earnest--

_Jack._ Sir, you may depend I shall have sense enough never to despise my own country again.

_Quicksett._ Here, here, take her hand, she's yours from this Moment.

_Roger._ Ay, I knew there was true blood at the Bottom.

_Sir Robert._ This is so unexpected a change I am transported with joy--Mr. Wildfire--Mr. Foxchase, come up and be partners of my Happiness.

_Jack._ They'll be glad to see me an honest fellow again.

(_Enter_ WILDFIRE _and_ FOXCHASE)

My dear Boy Wildfire give us your hand.

_Wildfire._ Can I believe my Eyes?

_Jack._ Nay, never stare, man. Foxchase, I am glad to see thee. Here's to your old friend Jack Broughton. I'll on with my Buckskins, and take a hunt with you to-morrow morning.

_Wildfire._ That's right my boy--away with the ridiculous outside of a Frenchman; take honest Nature for your guide, and be only what she intends you.

_Jack._ Ay, we'll all reform; you shall for the future Endeavor be polite Englishmen--and I will only imitate the sensible Frenchman.

_Wildfire._ Come, come, I own it to be wrong, and acknowledge I have been in the opposite Extream to you, an absurd Imitation of a Modern Blood.

_Jack._ You shall go down with me to Broughton Hall where you shall be the terror of all the Foxes for twenty Miles round, and in time we'll get a Girl to reform you too.

_Foxchase._ I don't care if I try the Experiment.

_Quicksett._ And now Sir Robert since your Son is so hopeful a young Man I'll sign the marriage Settlement as soon as you please.