_Sol._ I want to know who he is. If the man would only converse a little, one might have an opportunity of _pumping_; but if one meets him in the lime walk, or by the river, it is nothing but--"Good morrow;"--and off he marches. Once or twice I have contrived to edge in a word--"Fine day."--"Yes."--"Taking a little exercise, I perceive."--"Yes:"--and off again like a shot. The devil take such close fellows, say I. And, like master like man; not a syllable do I know of that mumps his servant, except that his name is Francis. _Mrs. H._ You are putting yourself into a passion, and quite forget who are expected. _Sol._ So I do--Mercy on us!--There now, you see what misfortunes arise from not knowing people. _Mrs. H._ 'Tis near twelve o'clock already! If his lordship has stolen an hour from his usual sleep, the family must soon be here. I go to my duty; you will attend to yours, Mr. Solomon. [_Exit._ _Sol._ Yes, I'll look after my duty, never fear. There goes another of the same class. Nobody knows who she is again. However, thus much I do know of her, that her Right Honourable Ladyship the Countess, all at once, popped her into the house, like a blot of ink upon a sheet of paper. But why, wherefore, or for what reason, not a soul can tell.--"She is to manage the family within doors." She to manage! Fire and faggots! Haven't I managed every thing within and without, most reputably, these twenty years? I must own I grow a little old, and she does take a deal of pains: but all this she learned of me. When she first came here--Mercy on us! she didn't know that linen was made of flax. But what was to be expected from one who has no foreign correspondence. [_Exit._ ACT THE SECOND. SCENE I. _A Drawing Room in the Castle, with a Piano Forte, Harp, Music, Bookstand, Sofas, Chairs, Tables, &c._ _Enter SOLOMON._ _Sol._ Well, for once I think I have the advantage of Madam Haller. Such a dance have I provided to welcome their Excellencies, and she quite out of the the secret! And such a hornpipe by the little Brunette! I'll have a rehearsal first though, and then surprise their honours after dinner. [_Flourish of rural music without._ _Pet._ [_Without._] Stop; not yet, not yet: but make way there, make way, my good friends, tenants, and villagers.--John! George! Frederick! Good friends, make way. _Sol._ It is not the Count: it's only Baron Steinfort. Stand back, I say; and stop the music! _Enter BARON STEINFORT, ushered in by PETER and FOOTMEN. PETER mimicks and apes his father._ _Sol._ I have the honour to introduce to your lordship myself, Mr. Solomon, who blesses the hour in which fortune allows him to become acquainted with the Honourable Baron Steinfort, brother-in-law of his Right Honourable Excellency Count Wintersen, my noble master. _Pet._ Bless our noble master!