_Clara._ Yes, sir; and that is the very thing I want your opinion about. _Sir W._ Well, my dear, all I know about thistles, I think, is, that asses love thistles--will that do? _Clara._ Oh, no, sir--pray be serious, for I am in the greatest hurry to settle how it is all to be. You know it is St. Patrick’s day. _Sir W._ Yes, and here is plenty of shamrock, I see. _Clara._ Yes, here is the shamrock--the rose, the ever blowing rose--and the thistle. And as we are to have Scotch, English, and Irish at our little fête champêtre this evening, don’t you think it would be pretty to have the tents hung with the rose, thistle, and shamrock joined? _Sir W._ Very pretty, my dear: and I am glad there are to be tents, otherwise a fête champêtre in the month of March would give me the rheumatism even to think of. _Clara._ Oh, my dear sir, not at all. You will be snug and warm in the green-house. _Sir W._ Well, Clara, dispose of me as you please--I am entirely at your service for the rest of my days. _Clara._ Thank you, sir--you are the best of uncles, guardians, and friends. [_Miss O’HARA goes back and appears to be giving directions to the servants._ _Sir W._ Uncle, nature made me--guardian, your father made me--friend, you made me yourself, Clara. (_Sir WILLIAM comes forward, and speaks as if in a reverie._) And ever more my friendship for her shall continue, though my guardianship is over. I am glad I conquered my indolence, and came to Ireland with her; for a cool English head will be wanting to guide that warm Irish heart.--And here I stand counsel for prudence against generosity! _Clara._ (_advancing to him playfully_) A silver penny for your thoughts, uncle. _Sir W._ Shall I never teach you economy?--such extravagance! to give a penny, and a silver penny, for what you may have for nothing. _Clara._ Nothing can come of nothing--speak again. _Sir W._ I was thinking of you, my--_ward_ no longer. _Clara._ Ward always, pray, sir. Whatever I may be in the eye of the law, I am not arrived at years of discretion yet, in my own opinion, nor in yours, I suspect. So I pray you, uncle, let me still have the advantage of your counsel and guidance. _Sir W._ You ask for my advice, Clara. Now let me see whether you will take it. _Clara._ I am all attention. _Sir W._ You know you must allow me a little prosing. You are an heiress, Clara--a rich heiress--an Irish heiress. You desire to do good, don’t you? _Clara._ (_with eagerness_) With all my heart!--With all my soul! _Sir W._ That is not enough, Clara. You must not only desire to do good, you must know how to do it. _Clara._ Since you, uncle, know that so well, you will teach it to me. _Sir W._ Dear, flattering girl--but you shall not flatter me out of the piece of advice I have ready for you. Promise me two things. _Clara._ And first, for your first.