The Contrast [24]
CHARLOTTE
Let my brother set out where he will in the fields of conversation, he is sure to end his tour in the temple of gravity.
MANLY
Forgive me, my sister. I love my country; it has its foibles undoubtedly;--some foreigners will with pleasure remark them--but such remarks fall very ungracefully from the lips of her citizens.
DIMPLE
You are perfectly in the right, Colonel--America has her faults.
MANLY
Yes, Sir; and we, her children, should blush for them in private, and endeavour, as individuals, to re- form them. But, if our country has its errors in com- mon with other countries, I am proud to say America-- I mean the United States--has displayed virtues and achievements which modern nations may admire, but of which they have seldom set us the example.
CHARLOTTE
But, brother, we must introduce you to some of our gay folks, and let you see the city, such as it is. Mr. Dimple is known to almost every family in town; he will doubtless take a pleasure in introducing you.
DIMPLE
I shall esteem every service I can render your brother an honour.
MANLY
I fear the business I am upon will take up all my time, and my family will be anxious to hear from me.
MARIA
His family! but what is it to me that he is married! [Aside.] Pray, how did you leave your lady, Sir?
CHARLOTTE
My brother is not married [observing her anxiety]; it is only an odd way he has of expressing himself. Pray, brother, is this business, which you make your continual excuse, a secret?
MANLY
No, sister; I came hither to solicit the honourable Congress, that a number of my brave old soldiers may be put upon the pension-list, who were, at first, not judged to be so materially wounded as to need the public assistance. My sister says true [to Maria]: I call my late soldiers my family. Those who were not in the field in the late glorious contest, and those who were, have their respective merits; but, I confess, my old brother-soldiers are dearer to me than the former description. Friendships made in adversity are last- ping; our countrymen may forget us, but that is no reason why we should forget one another. But I must leave you; my time of engagement approaches.
CHARLOTTE
Well, but, brother, if you will go, will you please to conduct my fair friend home? You live in the same street--I was to have gone with her myself-- [Aside]. A lucky thought.
MARIA I am obliged to your sister, Sir, and was just intend- ping to go. [Going.]
MANLY
I shall attend her with pleasure. [Exit with Maria, followed by Dimple and Charlotte.]
MARIA
Now, pray, don't betray me to your brother.
CHARLOTTE
[Just as she sees him make a motion to take his leave.] One word with you, brother, if you please. [Follows them out.
Manent, DIMPLE and LETITIA.
DIMPLE
You received the billet I sent you, I presume?
LETITIA
Hush!--Yes.
DIMPLE
When shall I pay my respects to you?
LETITIA
At eight I shall be unengaged.
Reenter CHARLOTTE.
DIMPLE
Did my lovely angel receive my billet? [to Char- lotte.]
CHARLOTTE
Yes.
DIMPLE
At eight I shall be at home unengaged.
DIMPLE
Unfortunate! I have a horrid engagement of busi- ness at that hour. Can't you finish your visit earlier and let six be the happy hour?
CHARLOTTE
You know your influence over me. [Exeunt severally.
SCENE II.
VAN ROUGH'S House.
VAN ROUGH, alone.
IT cannot possibly be true! The son of my old friend can't have acted so unadvisedly. Seventeen thousand pounds! in bills! Mr. Transfer must have been mistaken. He always appeared so prudent, and talked so well upon money matters, and even assured me that he intended to change his dress for a suit of clothes which would not cost so much, and look more substantial, as soon as he married. No, no, no! it can't be; it cannot be. But, however, I must look out sharp. I did not care what his principles or his actions were, so long as he minded the main chance. Seventeen thou- sand