_T._ Wear your best black velvet on the road! Well!—Stay we long away, sir? _F._ Never mind. Now shut it up and give me the key. _T._ I should like to know, sir, how long we stay away, and when we are to start. 2360 _F._ Give me the key. Now, Tristram, I understand that the Countess has dismissed you from her household. That saves me explanation. Here’s your wages (_puts money on the table_) for the current quarter. You are no more my servant. _T._ Good heavens! do you discharge me, sir? I beg, what have I done to offend you? _F._ Never mind. The Countess has discharged you,—that’s enough. Tho’you’re a fool, Tristram, to say the truth, I have got accustomed to you, and shall be sorry To part with you. I have quite as many reasons For wishing you to stay, as you have given me To be dissatisfied. But so ’tis fated; 2375 _And what God willeth_, Tristram, _needs must be, After the opinion of certain clerkës_. _T._ I am not to go with you to-day to Milan? _F._ No, Tristram. Now we part. _T._ Consider, sir, That Flora is discharged as well as me: 2380 Cannot you take us with you? _F._ You and Flora With me! _T._ What shall we do, sir? What shall we do? _F._ I’ll tell you what. While you were in my service You served me ill, pried into my affairs, Took bribes to spy upon me:—I know,—attend. If you would win my favour, you must serve me Now you are discharged. You can assist me, and if You serve me better, I’ll use my interest, Tristram, To get you a decent place. _T._ What is’t to do? _F._ ’Tis this. An hour from hence I must be off. St. Nicholas will likely enough be here 2391 After his marriage settlement. Now, Tristram, He must not find me. Wait for him here:—do you see?— And if he comes, get him out of the way. And if Ricardo comes, tell him that I Am gone to seek him and shall soon return: Bid him await me here. If by your help I get off quickly, I will help you; if not, Tristram, I’ll cut your throat from ear to ear. [_Exit._