_O. Book._ Whoever you had it from, sirrah, 'tis your business to correct it, by fixing it upon a proper object--But, Tom, you know I am always glad to hear you talk with the gaiety before me that you do elsewhere. But I have now something of consequence (that sudden, serious look was so like me). [_Aside._]--What I am going to say now, I tell you is extraordinary. _Y. Book._ I could not indeed help some seeming extravagancies I have been forced to. But---- _O. Book._ I do not grudge you your expenses, I was not going to speak on it. For I decay, and so do my desires, while yours grow still upon you. Therefore, what may be spared from mine, I heartily give you to supply yours; 'tis but the just order of things. I scorn to hoard what I only now can gaze at, while your youth and person want those entertainments you may become and taste. All your just pleasures are mine also; in you my youth and gayer years methinks I feel repeated. _Y. Book_ Then what can give you, sir, uneasiness? _O. Book._ Your affectation of a soldier's dress; makes me think you bent upon a dangerous though noble course; that you'll expose a life, that's dearer to your father than yourself, to daily hazards. I, therefore, have resolved to settle thee,[62] and chosen a young lady, witty, prudent, rich, and fair---- _Y. Book._ Oh, Victoria! [_Aside._]--You cannot move too slowly in such a business. _O. Book._ Nay, 'tis no sudden thing. Her father and I have been old acquaintance, and I was so confident of her worth, and your compliance, that I can't with honour disengage myself. _Y. Book._ How, sir! when honour calls me to the field, where I may perpetuate your name by some brave exploit---- _O. Book._ You may do it much better, Tom, at home, by a brave boy. Come, come, it must be so---- _Y. Book._ What shall I do for some invention? [_Aside._ _O. Book._ Let it be so, dear Tom; it must be so. _Y. Book._ What if it be impossible? _O. Book._ Impossible! as how? _Y. Book._ Upon my knees I beg your pardon, sir; I am---- _O. Book._ What? _Y. Book._ At Oxford---- _O. Book._ What art thou at Oxford? Rise and tell me. _Y. Book._ Why I am married there, since you needs must know. _O. Book._ Married, without my consent! _Y. Book._ There was a force upon me; you'll easily get all annulled if you desire it. It was the crossest, most unhappy accident. Yet, indeed, she is an excellent creature! _Lat._ How could he conceal this all this while from me? But I remember he used to be out of the college whole nights, we knew not where. [_Aside._ PENELOPE _and_ VICTORIA _at the window._ _Pen._ [_Aside._] The very man we met this morning; and I employ my rival to write to him! How confidently she stares at the fellow, and observes his action!