_Sir C._ Altogether making a perfectly desirable companion for the closet: I am sure, Clifford, you will agree with me. Gad we are got into such a pleasant freedom with each other, it is a pity to separate while any curiosity remains in the company. Pr'ythee, Clifford, satisfy me a little as to your history. Old Lord Hardacre, if I am rightly informed, disinherited your father, his second son. _Cliff._ For the very marriage we have been speaking of. The little fortune my father could call his own was sunk before his death, as a provision for my mother; upon an idea that whatever resentment he might personally have incurred, it would not be extended to an innocent offspring. _Sir C._ A very silly confidence. How readily now, should you and I, Emily, have discovered in a sensible old man, the irreconcileable offence of a marriage of the passions----You understand me? _Lady E._ Perfectly! [_Aside._] Old petrifaction, your hints always speak forcibly. _Sir C._ But your uncle, the present Lord, made amends? _Cliff._ Amply. He offered to send me from Cambridge to an academy in Germany, to fit me for foreign service: Well judging that a cannon ball was a fair and quick provision for a poor relation. _Sir C._ Upon my word I have known uncles less considerate. _Cliff._ When Lord Gayville's friendship, and your indulgence, made me the companion of his travels, Lord Hardacre's undivided cares devolved upon my sister: whose whole independent possession, at my mother's death, was five hundred pounds----All our education had permitted that unhappy parent to lay by. _Lady E._ Oh, for an act of justice and benevolence, to reconcile me to the odious man! Tell me this instant what did he do for Miss Clifford? _Cliff._ He bestowed upon her forty pounds a-year, upon condition that she resided with one of his dependents in a remote county, to save the family from disgrace; and that allowance, when I heard last from her, he had threatened to withdraw upon her refusing a detestable match he had endeavoured to force upon her. _Lady E._ Poor girl! _Sir C._ Upon my word an interesting story, and told with pathetic effect.--Emily, you look grave, child. _Lady E._ [_Aside._] I shall not own it however. [_To him._] For once, my dear uncle, you want your spectacles. My thoughts are on a diverting subject--My first visit to Miss Alscrip; to take a near view of that collection of charms destined to my happy brother. _Sir C._ You need not go out of the room for that purpose. The schedule of an heiress's fortune is a compendium of her merits, and the true security for marriage happiness. _Lady E._ I am sure I guess at your system--That union must be most wise, which has wealth to support it, and no affections to disturb it. _Sir C._ Right. _Lady E._ That makes a divorce the first promise of wedlock; and widowhood the best blessing of life; that separates the interest of husband, wife, and child---- _Sir C._ To establish the independent comfort of all----