MANLY I have, a little; and by it have discovered that there is a laudable partiality which ignorant, untravelled men entertain for everything that belongs to their native country. I call it laudable; it injures no one; adds to their own happiness; and, when extended, becomes the noble principle of patriotism. Travelled gentlemen rise superior, in their own opinion, to this; but if the contempt which they contract for their country is the most valuable acquisition of their travels, I am far from thinking that their time and money are well spent. MARIA What noble sentiments! CHARLOTTE Let my brother set out where he will in the fields of conversation, he is sure to end his tour in the temple of gravity. MANLY Forgive me, my sister. I love my country; it has its foibles undoubtedly;--some foreigners will with pleasure remark them--but such remarks fall very ungracefully from the lips of her citizens. DIMPLE You are perfectly in the right, Colonel--America has her faults. MANLY Yes, Sir; and we, her children, should blush for them in private, and endeavour, as individuals, to reform them. But, if our country has its errors in common with other countries, I am proud to say America--I mean the United States--has displayed virtues and achievements which modern nations may admire, but of which they have seldom set us the example. CHARLOTTE But, brother, we must introduce you to some of our gay folks, and let you see the city, such as it is. Mr. Dimple is known to almost every family in town; he will doubtless take a pleasure in introducing you. DIMPLE I shall esteem every service I can render your brother an honour. MANLY I fear the business I am upon will take up all my time, and my family will be anxious to hear from me. MARIA His family! but what is it to me that he is married! [Aside.] Pray, how did you leave your lady, Sir? CHARLOTTE My brother is not married [observing her anxiety]; it is only an odd way he has of expressing himself. Pray, brother, is this business, which you make your continual excuse, a secret? MANLY No, sister; I came hither to solicit the honourable Congress, that a number of my brave old soldiers may be put upon the pension-list, who were, at first, not judged to be so materially wounded as to need the public assistance. My sister says true [to Maria]: I call my late soldiers my family. Those who were not in the field in the late glorious contest, and those who were, have their respective merits; but, I confess, my old brother-soldiers are dearer to me than the former description. Friendships made in adversity are lasting; our countrymen may forget us, but that is no reason why we should forget one another. But I must leave you; my time of engagement approaches. CHARLOTTE Well, but, brother, if you will go, will you please to conduct my fair friend home? You live in the same street--I was to have gone with her myself-- [Aside]. A lucky thought.