AUSTIN (_with waistcoat_). Show him in, Menteith, at once. (_Singing and fitting waistcoat at glass_)— ‘I’d crowns resign To call her mine, Sweet Lass of Richmond Hill!’ SCENE IV AUSTIN, _R. to him_ MENTEITH _and_ FENWICK MENTEITH (_announcing_). Mr. Fenwick, Mr. George. AUSTIN. At the name of Miss Musgrave, my doors fly always open. FENWICK. I believe, sir, you are acquainted with my cousin, Richard Gaunt? AUSTIN. The county member? An old and good friend. But you need not go so far afield: I know your good house of Allonby Shaw since the days of the Black Knight. We are, in fact, and at a very royal distance, cousins. FENWICK. I desired, sir, from the nature of my business, that you should recognise me for a gentleman. AUSTIN. The preliminary, sir, is somewhat grave. FENWICK. My business is both grave and delicate. AUSTIN. Menteith, my good fellow. (_Exit_ MENTEITH.) Mr. Fenwick, honour me so far as to be seated. (_They sit_.) I await your pleasure. FENWICK. Briefly, sir, I am come, not without hope, to appeal to your good heart. AUSTIN. From Miss Musgrave? FENWICK. No, sir, I abused her name, and am here upon my own authority. Upon me the consequence. AUSTIN. Proceed FENWICK. Mr. Austin, Dorothy Musgrave is the oldest and dearest of my friends, is the lady whom for ten years it has been my hope to make my wife. She has shown me reason to discard that hope for another: that I may call her Mrs. Austin. AUSTIN. In the best interests of the lady (_rising_) I question if you have been well inspired. You are aware, sir, that from such interference there is but one issue: to whom shall I address my friend? FENWICK. Mr. Austin, I am here to throw myself upon your mercy. Strange as my errand is, it will seem yet more strange to you that I came prepared to accept at your hands any extremity of dishonour and not fight. The lady whom it is my boast to serve has honoured me with her commands. These are my law, and by these your life is sacred. AUSTIN. Then, sir (_with his hand upon the bell_), his conversation becomes impossible. You have me at too gross a disadvantage; and, as you are a gentleman and respect another, I would suggest that you retire.