_Stra._ Have you forgotten what the old man said this morning? "There is another and a better world!" Oh, 'twas true. Then let us hope with fervency, and yet endure with patience!--What's here? _Enter CHARLOTTE, from the Park gate._ _Char._ I presume, sir, you are the strange gentleman that drew my young master out of the water?--[_The STRANGER reads._] Or [_To FRANCIS._] are you he? [_FRANCIS makes a wry face._] Are the creatures both dumb? [_Looks at them by turns._] Surely, old Solomon has fixed two statues here, by way of ornament; for of any use there is no sign. [_Approaches FRANCIS._] No, this is alive, and breathes; yes, and moves its eyes. [_Bawls in his ear._] Good friend! _Fra._ I'm not deaf. _Char._ No, nor dumb, I perceive at last.--Is yon lifeless thing your master? _Fra._ That honest silent gentleman is my master. _Char._ The same that drew the young Count out of the water? _Fra._ The same. _Char._ [_To the STRANGER._] Sir, my master and mistress, the Count and Countess, present their respectful compliments, and request the honour of your company at a family supper this evening. _Stra._ I shall not come. _Char._ But you'll scarce send such an uncivil answer as this. The Count is overpowered with gratitude. You saved his son's life. _Stra._ I did it willingly. _Char._ And won't accept of, "I thank you," in return? _Stra._ No. _Char._ You really are cruel, sir, I must tell you. There are three of us ladies at the Castle, and we are all dying with curiosity to know who you are. [_Exit STRANGER._] The master is crabbed enough, however. Let me try what I can make of the man. Pray, sir-- [_FRANCIS turns his back to her._] --The beginning promises little enough. Friend, why won't you look at me. _Fra._ I like to look at green trees better than green eyes. _Char._ Green eyes, you monster! Who told you, that my eyes were green? Let me tell you there have been sonnets made on my eyes, before now. _Fra._ Glad to hear it. _Char._ To the point then at once. What is your master? _Fra._ A man. _Char._ I surmised as much. But what's his name? _Fra._ The same as his father's. _Char._ Not unlikely;--and his father was-- _Fra._ Married. _Char._ To whom? _Fra._ To a woman. _Char._ [_Enraged._] I'll tell you what; who your master is I see I shall not learn, and I don't care; but I know what you are. _Fra._ Well, what am I? _Char._ A bear! [_Exit._ _Fra._ Thank you! Now to see how habit and example corrupt one's manners. I am naturally the civilest spoken fellow in the world to the pretty prattling rogues; yet, following my master's humour, I've rudely driven this wench away. I must have a peep at her though. [_Looking towards the Park gate._ _Enter STRANGER._ _Stra._ Is that woman gone? _Fra._ Yes. _Stra._ Francis! _Fra._ Sir. _Stra._ We must be gone too. _Fra._ But whither? _Stra._ I don't care.