_Counsellor._ Why, I kept my best things to the last--but we will certainly christen him Mr. Ecclesiasticus [laughs]. When I tell his brother, he will enjoy it heartily. Enter Mr. DRAVE. _Mr. D._ Good morning, Sir! _Counsellor._ Your most obedient, my dear Mr. Drave: I am happy to see you in health; I was much afflicted by your late indisposition. _Mr. D._ I am obliged to you. [To Mrs. D.] Will you be so good as to go down awhile with Augusta? _Mrs. D._ [aside to Mr. D.] But keep your temper. [Exeunt Mrs. D. and Augusta. _Counsellor_ [is going after them]. Give me leave, Sir. _Mr. D._ I will thank you for a few minutes conversation. _Counsellor._ With all my heart. What do you wish? _Mr. D._ Sir, you have honoured my family with your visits. _Counsellor._ Pray, Sir--too kind--the pleasure of your company---- _Mr. D._ It is time to come to an explanation: therefore, Sir--without farther preface, my daughter, I think, is the object of your visits? _Counsellor._ She is, Sir. _Mr. D._ You wish, doubtless, to marry her? _Counsellor._ Yes--yes--if--to be sure, for my part--I---- _Mr. D._ [earnestly]. You certainly can mean nothing else. You will permit me to say, that my daughter cannot comply with your wishes; and therefore, as marriage is out of the question,--[mildly] I must entreat you, Sir, for the sake of her reputation, to forbear your visits for the future. _Counsellor._ How? I am astonished! Mr. Drave-- _Mr. D._ Forgive me, Sir! regard for Augusta forced me to this unpleasant conversation. _Counsellor._ But what objection can you have? If a marriage cannot take place, must I for that reason avoid your house? _Mr. D._ I fear my daughter might forget the duties of a wife, in listening to the flatteries of a lover. _Counsellor._ Vain excuses, Mr. Drave; mere pretexts to palliate your hatred. _Mr. D._ I have no hatred against you, Sir. _Counsellor._ Oh, but I see very clearly you have: but I warrant you---- _Mr. D._ You are not to my mind--you see I do not attempt to conceal it. _Counsellor._ Well, of my passion for Miss Drave I will speak no more--but I am now obliged in honour to frequent your house. _Mr. D._ Say you were tired of our company; I give you my word never to contradict you. _Counsellor._ It would be much to the credit of your house, and your daughter. _Mr. D._ [smiling]. I know what I venture. _Counsellor._ You are insupportable--but take warning; remember, Sir, to whom you speak! _Mr. D._ [earnestly]. I remember but too well! _Counsellor._ You may repent, Sir--you may repent very soon! _Mr. D._ God forbid! _Counsellor._ Sir, I give you one hour's time to atone for this insolence, or I can shew you---- _Mr. D._ [angrily]. And I, Sir, give you one minute to leave my house! or--[recollecting himself, and taking a key out of his socket, which he lays upon a chair] here is the key; when you leave the room, be so good as to lock the door. [Going.