_Des._ Well, well, of your _education_, then, is not easily found. Now, mark what I am going to say, and consider it well, before you come to a hasty conclusion. There is, among my patients, a retired merchant, one who has been able, by indefatigable industry in trade, to amass a very handsome fortune. His daughter, an only a child, and of course, the father's darling, has, by chance, become acquainted with the state of your affairs. Now, I have reason to know, (being on very confidential terms with them.) I say I have reason to know that this girl, ambitious, handsome, rich, and accomplished, would be happy to share your title. I have the father's consent, and only await the word from you to-- _Man._ Dr. Desmarets, my name is neither for sale, or to let. _Des._ Humph! Do you know, my lord, that you bear a remarkable resemblance to your poor mother? _Man._ You must be mistaken, sir. I have always been told that I was more like my father. _Des._ Not a bit! The mother, the mother, sir, in every feature. But, bless me, it's near eleven o'clock and I have a most particular appointment. As you decline considering the proposal I have made, we must think of something else. Au revoir. [_Aside._] The mother--eyes, nose, mouth. What the devil made that stupid old woman say he was like his father? [_Exit C._ _Man._ He's a kind man, though a little eccentric, and apart from his professional duty, seems actuated by a sincere desire to serve me, and yet--and yet I could not bring myself to ask his charity. Hunger--starvation--are not, then, mere empty words. Oh! if I do sin in my pride, I am punished, for I suffer much. This is the second day without food. Why, after all, I could go into any Restaurant and dine, for I am well enough known. I could say I had forgotten my purse--have done so without scruple in happier times, but _then_ I had the means to pay, and now--no, no, my sister, not for life, not even for _thee_, will I descend to lie and cheat. How weak I am; this comes too soon upon my long sickness. If I could but sleep and so forget my agony. And there are human creatures who suffer every day as I do now. My sister, my little sister, I seem to see thy dear face looking down upon me, and bidding me be comforted. [_Music._] Thou, at least, shall never suffer. But for those who hear their cries of hunger repeated from the mouths of starving little ones, well, well, God comfort them; I will not re--Oh--holy--charity--for--those--who--my sister--my-- _MANUEL gradually falls asleep. MADAME VAUBERGER enters with a Tray containing a dish or two with eatables, a plate, &c. She watches MANUEL carefully while she deposits the Tray on the chimney-piece and lays a cloth on the table. MANUEL awakes as she goes back to the chimney-piece for tray._ _Man._ Eh--who's that? Ah, me! What are you doing, Madame? _Mad. V._ Did you not order dinner, my lord? _Man._ Certainly not.