LADY CAROLINE. As a treaty of marriage is so nearly concluded between us, I think, Mrs. Evans, I am at liberty to visit Sir George, or to receive his presents, without having my character, or my delicacy called in question. (_A loud rapping._) The company are coming: is it not strange he is not here to receive them. [_Exit_ EVANS. _Enter two Ladies and a Gentleman, who curtsy and bow to_ LADY CAROLINE.--SIR GEORGE _enters at the opposite door, magnificently dressed_. SIR GEORGE. Ladies, I entreat your pardon; dear Lady Caroline excuse me. I have been in the country all the morning, and have had scarce time to return to town and dress for your reception. [_Another rapping._ _Enter_ MR. LUCRE, LORD HAZARD, LADY BRIDGET SQUANDER, &C. SIR GEORGE. Dear Lucre, I am glad to see you. MR. LUCRE. My dear Sir George, I had above ten engagements this evening, but they all gave place to your invitation. SIR GEORGE. Thank you.--My dear Lady Bridget-- LADY BRIDGET. It is impossible to resist an invitation from the most polished man alive. (_Sir_ GEORGE _bows_.) What a superb dress! (_in his hearing, as he turns away_) and what an elegant deportment. MR. LUCRE. [_After speaking apart with_ SIR GEORGE. No, I am not in a state to take any part at Pharo--I am ruin'd.--Would you believe it Sir George, I am not worth a farthing in the world. SIR GEORGE. Yes, I believed it long ago. MR. LUCRE. Now we are on that subject--could you lend me a hundred pounds? SIR GEORGE. [_Taking out his pocket-book._ I have about me, only this bill for two hundred. MR. LUCRE. That will do as well--I am not circumstantial. (_Takes it._) And my dear Sir George command my purse at any time--all it contains, will ever be at your service. SIR GEORGE. I thank you. MR. LUCRE. Nay, though I have no money of my own, yet you know I can always raise friends--and by heaven! my dear Sir George, I often wish to see you reduced to my circumstances, merely to prove how much I could, and _would_, do to serve you. SIR GEORGE. I sincerely thank you. MR. LUCRE. And one can better ask a favour for one's friend than for one's-self, you know: for when one wants to borrow money on one's own account, there are so many little delicacies to get the better of--such as I felt just now.--I was as pale as death, I dare say, when I asked you for this money--did not you perceive I was? SIR GEORGE. I can't say I did. MR. LUCRE. But you must have observed I hesitated, and looked very foolish. SIR GEORGE. I thought for my part, that I looked as foolish.--But I hope I did not hesitate. MR. LUCRE. Nor ever will, when a friend applys to you, I'll answer for it--Nor ever shall a friend hesitate when you apply. LORD HAZARD. [_Taking_ SIR GEORGE _aside_. The obligations I am under to you for extricating me from that dangerous business-- SIR GEORGE. Never name it.