_Sir J. Bev._ No, no, no, dear Jack; this Sealand is a moody old fellow. There's no dealing with some people but by managing with indifference. We must leave to him the conduct of this day. It is the last of his commanding his daughter. _Bev. Jun._ Sir, he can't take it ill, that I am impatient to be hers. _Sir J. Bev._ Pray let me govern in this matter; you can't tell how humorsome old fellows are. There's no offering reason to some of 'em, especially when they are rich.--If my son should see him before I've brought old Sealand into better temper, the match would be impracticable. [_Aside._ _Humph._ Pray, sir, let me beg you to let Mr. Bevil go.--See whether he will or not. [_Aside to_ SIR JOHN]--[_Then to_ BEV.] Pray, sir, command yourself; since you see my master is positive, it is better you should not go. _Bev. Jun._ My father commands me, as to the object of my affections; but I hope he will not, as to the warmth and height of them. _Sir J. Bev._ So! I must even leave things as I found them; and in the meantime, at least, keep old Sealand out of his sight--Well, son, I'll go myself and take orders in your affair. You'll be in the way, I suppose, if I send to you. I'll leave your old friend with you--Humphry, don't let him stir, d'ye hear?--Your servant, your servant. [_Exit_ SIR JOHN. _Humph._ I have a sad time on't, sir, between you and my master. I see you are unwilling, and I know his violent inclinations for the match.--I must betray neither, and yet deceive you both, for your common good. Heaven grant a good end of this matter.--But there is a lady, sir, that gives your father much trouble and sorrow.--You'll pardon me. _Bev. Jun._ Humphry, I know thou art a friend to both, and in that confidence I dare tell thee, that lady is a woman of honour and virtue. You may assure yourself I never will marry without my father's consent. But give me leave to say, too, this declaration does not come up to a promise that I will take whomsoever he pleases. _Humph._ Come, sir, I wholly understand you. You would engage my services to free you from this woman whom my master intends you, to make way, in time, for the woman you have really a mind to. _Bev. Jun._ Honest Humphry, you have always been a useful friend to my father and myself; I beg you continue your good offices, and don't let us come to the necessity of a dispute; for, if we should dispute, I must either part with more than life, or lose the best of fathers. _Humph._ My dear master, were I but worthy to know this secret, that so near concerns you, my life, my all should be engaged to serve you. This, sir, I dare promise, that I am sure I will and can be secret: your trust, at worst, but leaves you where you were; and if I cannot serve you, I will at once be plain and tell you so. _Bev. Jun._ That's all I ask. Thou hast made it now my interest to trust thee. Be patient, then, and hear the story of my heart. _Humph._ I am all attention, sir.