_Pounce._ Indeed, Sir Harry, I must tell you plainly, that Mr. Tipkin, in this, demands nothing but what he may recover. For though this case may be considered _multifariam_--that is to say, as 'tis usually, commonly, _vicatim_, or vulgarly expressed--yet, I say, when we only observe that the power is settled as the law requires, _assensu patris_, by the consent of the father, that circumstance imports you are well acquainted with the advantages which accrue to your family by this alliance, which corroborates Mr. Tipkin's demand, and avoids all objections that can be made. _Sir Har._ Why then, I find you are his adviser in all this. _Pounce._ Look ye, Sir Harry, to show you I love to promote among my clients a good understanding; though Mr. Tipkin may claim four thousand pounds, I'll engage for him, and I know him so well, that he shall take three thousand nine hundred and ninety-eight pounds, four shillings and eightpence farthing. _Tip._ Indeed, Mr. Pounce, you are too hard upon me. _Pounce._ You must consider a little, Sir Harry is your brother. _Sir Har._ Three thousand nine hundred and ninety-eight pounds, four shillings and eightpence farthing! For what, I say? For what, sir? _Pounce._ For what, sir! for what she wanted, sir; a fine lady is always in want, sir--her very clothes would come to that money in half the time. _Sir Har._ Three thousand nine hundred and ninety-eight pounds, four shillings and eighteenpence farthing for clothes! Pray how many suits does she wear out in a year? _Pounce._ Oh! dear sir, a fine lady's clothes are not old by being worn, but by being seen. _Sir Har._ Well, I'll save her clothes for the future, after I have got her into the country. I'll warrant her she shall not appear more in this wicked town, where clothes are worn out by sight--And as to what you demand, I tell you, sir, 'tis extortion. _Tip._ Sir Harry, do you accuse me of extortion? _Sir Har._ Yes, I say extortion. _Tip._ Mr. Pounce, write down that; there are very good laws provided against scandal and calumny--Loss of reputation may tend to loss of money. _Pounce._ Item, "for having accused Mr. Tipkin of extortion." _Sir Har._ Nay, if you come to your items--look ye, Mr. Tipkin, this is an inventory of such goods as were left to my niece, Bridget, by her deceased father, and which I expect shall be forthcoming at her marriage to my son: Imprimis, "a golden locket of her mother's, with something very ingenious in Latin on the inside of it"; item, "a couple of muskets, with two shoulder-belts and bandoleers"; item, "a large silver caudle-cup, with a true story engraven on it." _Pounce._ But, Sir Harry---- _Sir Har._ Item, "a bass viol, with almost all the strings to it, and only a small hole on the back." _Pounce._ But nevertheless, sir----