_Enter PETER._ _Pet._ Pooh! pooh!--never tell me.--I'm a clever lad, for all father's crying out every minute, "Peter," and "stupid Peter!" But I say, Peter is not stupid, though father will always be so wise. First, I talk too much; then I talk too little; and if I talk a bit to myself, he calls me a driveller. Now, I like best to talk to myself; for I never contradict myself, and I don't laugh at myself, as other folks do. That laughing is often a plaguy teazing custom. To be sure, when Mrs. Haller laughs, one can bear it well enough; there is a sweetness even in her reproof, that somehow--But, lud! I had near forgot what I was sent about.--Yes, then they would have laughed at me indeed.--[_Draws a green purse from his pocket._]--I am to carry this money to old Tobias; and Mrs. Haller said I must be sure not to blab, or say that she had sent it. Well, well, she may be easy for that matter; not a word shall drop from my lips. Mrs. Haller is charming, but silly, if father is right; for father says, "He, that spends his money is not wise," but "he that gives it away, is stark mad." _Enter the STRANGER, from the Lodge, followed by FRANCIS.--At sight of PETER, the STRANGER stops, and looks suspiciously at him. PETER stands opposite to him, with his mouth wide open. At length he takes off his hat, scrapes a bow, and goes into the Hut._ _Stra._ Who is that? _Fra._ The steward's son. _Stra._ Of the Castle? _Fra._ Yes. _Stra._ [_After a pause._] You were--you were speaking last night-- _Fra._ Of the old countryman? _Stra._ Ay. _Fra._ You would not hear me out. _Stra._ Proceed. _Fra._ He is poor. _Stra._ Who told you so? _Fra._ Himself. _Stra._ [_With acrimony._] Ay, ay; he knows how to tell his story, no doubt. _Fra._ And to impose, you think? _Stra._ Right! _Fra._ This man does not. _Stra._ Fool! _Fra._ A feeling fool is better than a cold sceptic. _Stra._ False! _Fra._ Charity begets gratitude. _Stra._ False! _Fra._ And blesses the giver more than the receiver. _Stra._ True. _Fra._ Well, sir. This countryman-- _Stra._ Has he complained to you? _Fra._ Yes. _Stra._ He, who is really unhappy, never complains. [_Pauses._] Francis, you have had means of education beyond your lot in life, and hence you are encouraged to attempt imposing on me:--but go on. _Fra._ His only son has been taken from him. _Stra._ Taken from him? _Fra._ By the exigency of the times, for a soldier. _Stra._ Ay! _Fra._ The old man is poor.-- _Stra._ 'Tis likely. _Fra._ Sick and forsaken. _Stra._ I cannot help him. _Fra._ Yes. _Stra._ How? _Fra._ By money. He may buy his son's release. _Stra._ I'll see him myself. _Fra._ Do so. _Stra._ But if he is an impostor! _Fra._ He is not. _Stra._ In that hut?