LOFTY. Well, sure the devil's in me of late, for running my head in such defiles, as nothing but a genius like my own could draw me from. I was formerly contented to husband out my places and pensions with some degree of frugality; but, curse it, of late I have given away the whole Court Register in less time than they could print the title-page; yet, hang it, why scruple a lie or two to come at a fine girl, when I every day tell a thousand for nothing? Ha! Honeywood here before me. Could Miss Richland have set him at liberty? _Enter_ HONEYWOOD. Mr. Honeywood, I'm glad to see you abroad again. I find my concurrence was not necessary in your unfortunate affairs. I had put things in a train to do your business; but it is not for me to say what I intended doing. HONEYW. It was unfortunate indeed, sir. But what adds to my uneasiness is, that while you seem to be acquainted with my misfortune, I, myself continue still a stranger to my benefactor. LOFTY. How! not know the friend that served you? HONEYW. Can't guess at the person. LOFTY. Inquire. HONEYW. I have, but all I can learn is, that he chooses to remain concealed, and that all inquiry must be fruitless. LOFTY. Must be fruitless? HONEYW. Absolutely fruitless. LOFTY. Sure of that? HONEYW. Very sure. LOFTY. Then I'll be damn'd if you shall ever know it from me. HONEYW. How, sir! LOFTY. I suppose now, Mr. Honeywood, you think my rent-roll very considerable, and that I have vast sums of money to throw away; I know you do. The world, to be sure says such things of me. HONEYW. The world, by what I learn, is no stranger to your generosity. But where does this tend? LOFTY. To nothing; nothing in the world. The town, to be sure, when it makes such a thing as me the subject of conversation, has asserted, that I never yet patronised a man of merit. HONEYW. I have heard instances to the contrary, even from yourself. LOFTY. Yes, Honeywood, and there are instances to the contrary that you shall never hear from myself. HONEYW. Ha, dear sir, permit me to ask you but one question. LOFTY. Sir, ask me no questions; I say, sir, ask me no questions; I'll be damn'd if I answer them. HONEYW. I will ask no further. My friend, my benefactor, it is, it must be here, that I am indebted for freedom for honour. Yes, thou worthiest of men, from the beginning I suspected it, but was afraid to return thanks; which, if undeserved, might seem reproaches. LOFTY. I protest I don't understand all this, Mr. Honeywood. You treat me very cavalierly, I do assure you, sir.—Blood, sir, can't a man be permitted to enjoy the luxury of his own feelings without all this parade? HONEYW. Nay, do not attempt to conceal an action that adds to your honour. Your looks, your air, your manner, all confess it.