Next Door Neighbours Part 5

BLACKMAN.

Yes--but I am a lawyer.

HENRY.

Whatever you are, this apartment is mine, not your's--and I desire you to leave it.

BLACKMAN.

But to-morrow it will be mine, and then I shall desire _you_ to leave it, and force you to leave it.

HENRY.

Eleanor, retire to the other chamber; I am sorry I left you. [_Leads her off._

BLACKMAN.

And I am sorry that I and my friend should come here to be affronted.

BLUNTLY.

Mr. Blackman, I won't be called names.

BLACKMAN.

Names, sir! What names did I call you?

BLUNTLY.

Did not you call me your friend? I a.s.sure you, sir, I am not used to be called names. I am but a servant whose character is every thing--and I'll let you know that I am _not_ your friend.

BLACKMAN.

Why, you blockhead, does not your master call himself my friend?

BLUNTLY.

Yes, my master is a great man, and he can get a place without a character,--but if I lose mine, I am ruined; therefore take care how you miscal me for the future, for I a.s.sure you I won't bear it. I am not your friend, and you shall find I am not.

[_Exit (in great anger)_, BLACKMAN _following_.

END OF THE FIRST ACT.

ACT II.

SCENE I. _An Apartment at_ SIR GEORGE SPLENDORVILLE'S.

_Enter_ SIR GEORGE, _followed by_ BLUNTLY.

SIR GEORGE.

What's o'clock? [_Rubbing his eyes._

BLUNTLY.

Just noon, sir.

SIR GEORGE.

Why was I waked so early?

BLUNTLY.

You were not waked, sir--You rung.

SIR GEORGE.

Then it was in my sleep--and could not you suppose so?----After going to bed at five, to make me rise at noon! (_in a violent pa.s.sion_) What am I to do with myself, sir, till it is time to go out for the evening?

BLUNTLY.

You have company to dinner you know, sir.

SIR GEORGE.

No, it is to supper--and what am I to do with myself till that time?

BLUNTLY.

Company again to supper, Sir?

SIR GEORGE.

Yes, and the self-same company I had last night--I invited them upon Lady Caroline's account--to give her an opportunity of revenge, for the money she lost here yesterday evening--and I am all weariness--I am all la.s.situde and fretfulness till the time arrives.--But now I call to mind, I have an affair that may engage my attention a few hours. You were giving me an account, Bluntly, of that beautiful girl I saw enter at Blackman's?

BLUNTLY.

Yes, sir, I saw her late last night in Mr. Blackman's house--she lodges there.

SIR GEORGE.

Indeed? In Blackman's house? I am glad to hear it.

BLUNTLY.

And he has a.s.sured me, sir, that she and her family are in the greatest poverty imaginable.

SIR GEORGE.

I am glad to hear it.

BLUNTLY.

They have been it seems above a twelvemonth in London, in search of some rich relations; but instead of meeting with them, the father was seen and remembered by an old creditor who has thrown him into prison.

SIR GEORGE.

I am very glad to hear it.

BLUNTLY.

But the young woman, Sir, has been so short a time in town, she has, seemingly, a great deal of modesty and virtue.

SIR GEORGE.

And I am very glad to hear of that too--I like her the better--you know I do--for I am weary of that ready compliance I meet with from the s.e.x.

BLUNTLY.

But if I might presume to advise, sir--as you are so soon to be married to her ladys.h.i.+p, whom you love with sincere affection, you should give up this pursuit.

SIR GEORGE.