Sir Oliv. To judge by the servants, one wouldn’t believe the master was ruined. But what!—sure, this was my brother’s house?

Mos. Yes, sir; Mr. Charles bought it of Mr. Joseph, with the furniture, pictures, &c., just as the old gentleman left it. Sir Peter thought it a piece of extravagance in him.

Sir Oliv. In my mind, the other’s economy in selling it to him was more reprehensible by half.

Re-enter Trip.

Trip. My master says you must wait, gentlemen: he has company, and can’t speak with you yet.

Sir Oliv. If he knew who it was wanted to see him, perhaps he would not send such a message?

Trip. Yes, yes, sir; he knows you are here—I did not forget little Premium: no, no, no.

Sir Oliv. Very well; and I pray, sir, what may be your name?

Trip. Trip, sir; my name is Trip, at your service.

Sir Oliv. Well, then, Mr. Trip, you have a pleasant sort of place here, I guess?

Trip. Why, yes—here are three or four of us pass our time agreeably enough; but then our wages are sometimes a little in arrear—and not very great either—but fifty pounds a year, and find our own bags and bouquets.

Sir Oliv. Bags and bouquets! halters and bastinadoes!

[Aside.

Trip. And à propos, Moses, have you been able to get me that little bill discounted?

Sir Oliv. Wants to raise money, too!—mercy on me! Has his distresses too, I warrant, like a lord, and affects creditors and duns.

[Aside.

Mos. ’Twas not be done, indeed, Mr. Trip.

Trip. Good lack, you surprise me! My friend Brush has indorsed it, and I thought when he put his name at the back of a bill ’twas the same as cash.

Mos. No, ’twouldn’t do.

Trip. A small sum—but twenty pounds. Hark’ee, Moses, do you think you couldn’t get it me by way of annuity?

Sir Oliv. An annuity! ha! ha! a footman raise money by way of annuity! Well done, luxury, egad!

[Aside.

Mos. Well, but you must insure your place.

Trip. Oh, with all my heart! I’ll insure my place, and my life too, if you please.

Sir Oliv. It’s more than I would your neck.