EVANS. But consider, Mr. Bluntly, your master has my lady's fortune to take. BLUNTLY. Yes, but I consider he has your lady to take along with it; and I prophecy one will stick by him some time after the other is gone. EVANS. For shame.--My lady, I have no doubt, will soon cure Sir George of his extravagance. BLUNTLY. It will then be by taking away the means.--Why, Lady Caroline is as extravagant as himself. EVANS. You are mistaken.--She never gives routs, masquerades, balls, or entertainments of any kind. BLUNTLY. But she constantly goes to them whenever she is invited. EVANS. That, I call but a slight imprudence.--She has no wasteful indiscretions like Sir George. For instance, she never makes a lavish present. BLUNTLY. No, but she _takes_ a lavish present, as readily as if she did. EVANS. And surely you cannot call that imprudence? BLUNTLY. No, I call it something worse. EVANS. Then, although she loves gaming to distraction, and plays deep, yet she never loses. BLUNTLY. No, but she always wins--and _that_ I call something worse. [_A loud rapping at the street-door._ EVANS. Here's the company. Will you permit me, Mr. Bluntly, to stand in one corner, and have a peep at them? BLUNTLY. If you please. (_Rapping again._) What spirit there is in that, Rat, tat, tat, tat.--And what life, frolic, and joy, the whole house is going to experience except myself. As for me, I am ready to cry at the thoughts of it all. [_Exit._ _Enter_ LADY CAROLINE. LADY CAROLINE. Here, the first of the company. I am sorry for it. (EVANS _comes forward_.) Evans, what has brought you hither? EVANS. I came, my lady, to see the preparations making on _your_ account--for it is upon your account alone, that Sir George gives this grand _fête_. LADY CAROLINE. Why, I do flatter myself it is.--But where is he? What is it o'clock?--It was impossible to stay at the stupid opera.--How do I look? I once did intend to wear those set of diamonds Sir George presented me with the other morning--but then, I reflected again, that if---- EVANS. Ah, my lady, what a charming thing to have such a lover--Sir George prevents every wish--he must make the best of husbands. LADY CAROLINE. And yet my father wishes to break off the marriage--he talks of his prodigality--and, certainly, Sir George lives above his income. EVANS. But then, Madam, so does every body else. LADY CAROLINE. But Sir George ought undoubtedly to change his conduct, and not be thus continually giving balls and entertainments--and inviting to his table acquaintance, that not only come to devour his dinners and suppers, but him. EVANS. And there are people malicious enough to call your ladyship one of his devourers too.