The School For Scandal [29]
him talk so.--
SURFACE. Well there certainly is no knowing what men are capable of--
no--there is no knowing--yet I can't but think Lady Teazle herself
has too much Principle----
SIR PETER. Aye but what's Principle against the Flattery of a
handsome--lively young Fellow--
SURFACE. That's very true--
SIR PETER. And then you know the difference of our ages makes it very
improbable that she should have any great affection for me--and if she
were to be frail and I were to make it Public--why the Town would only
laugh at the foolish old Batchelor, who had married a girl----
SURFACE. That's true--to be sure People would laugh.
SIR PETER. Laugh--aye and make Ballads--and Paragraphs and the Devil
knows what of me--
SURFACE. No--you must never make it public--
SIR PETER. But then again that the Nephew of my old Friend,
Sir Oliver[,] should be the Person to attempt such an injury--
hurts me more nearly--
SURFACE. Undoubtedly--when Ingratitude barbs the Dart of Injury--
the wound has double danger in it--
SIR PETER. Aye--I that was in a manner left his Guardian--
in his House he had been so often entertain'd--who never in my Life
denied him my advice--
SURFACE. O 'tis not to be credited--There may be a man capable
of such Baseness, to be sure--but for my Part till you can give me
positive Proofs you must excuse me withholding my Belief. However,
if this should be proved on him He is no longer a brother of mine
I disclaim kindred with him--for the man who can break thro' the Laws
of Hospitality--and attempt the wife of his Friend deserves to be
branded as the Pest of Society.
SIR PETER. What a difference there is between you--what noble
sentiments!--
SURFACE. But I cannot suspect Lady Teazle's honor.
SIR PETER. I'm sure I wish to think well of her--and to remove
all ground of Quarrel between us--She has lately reproach'd me more
than once with having made no settlement on her--and, in our last
Quarrel, she almost hinted that she should not break her Heart if
I was dead.--now as we seem to differ in our Ideas of Expense
I have resolved she shall be her own Mistress in that Respect
for the future--and if I were to die--she shall find that I have not
been inattentive to her Interests while living--Here my Friend
are the Draughts of two Deeds which I wish to have your opinion on--
by one she will enjoy eight hundred a year independent while I live--
and by the other the bulk of my Fortune after my Death.
SURFACE. This conduct Sir Peter is indeed truly Generous! I wish
it may not corrupt my pupil.--[Aside.]
SIR PETER. Yes I am determined she shall have no cause to complain--
tho' I would not have her acquainted with the latter instance of my
affection yet awhile.
SURFACE. Nor I--if I could help it.
SIR PETER. And now my dear Friend if you please we will talk over
the situation of your Hopes with Maria.
SURFACE. No--no--Sir Peter--another Time if you Please--[softly].
SIR PETER. I am sensibly chagrined at the little Progress you seem
to make in her affection.
SURFACE. I beg you will not mention it--What are my Disappointments
when your Happiness is in Debate [softly]. 'Sdeath I shall be ruined
every way.
SIR PETER. And tho' you are so averse to my acquainting Lady Teazle
with YOUR passion, I am sure she's not your Enemy in the Affair.
SURFACE. Pray Sir Peter, now oblige me.--I am really too much
affected by the subject we have been speaking of to bestow a thought
on my own concerns--The Man who is entrusted with his Friend's
Distresses can never----
Enter SERVANT
Well, Sir?
SERVANT. Your Brother Sir, is--speaking to a Gentleman in the Street,
and says He knows you're within.
SURFACE. 'Sdeath, Blockhead--I'm NOT within--I'm out for the Day.
SIR PETER. Stay--hold--a thought has struck me--you shall be at home.
SURFACE. Well--well--let him up.--
[Exit SERVANT.]
He'll interrupt Sir Peter, however. [Aside.]
SIR PETER. Now, my good Friend--oblige me I Intreat you--before