[_Exit._ _Bar._ May I ask what it was you were saying? _Sol._ Why, please your Honourable Lordship, we were talking here and there--this and that-- _Bar._ I almost begin to suspect some secret. _Sol._ Secret! Heaven forbid! Mercy on us! No! I should have had letters on the subject if there had been a secret. _Bar._ Well then, since it was no secret, I presume I may know your conversation. _Sol._ You do us great honour, my lord. Why, then, at first, we were making a few common-place observations. Miss Charlotte remarked that we had all our faults. I said, "Yes." Soon after I remarked that the best persons in the world were not without their weaknesses. She said, "Yes." _Bar._ If you referred to Mrs. Haller's faults and weaknesses, I am desirous to hear more. _Sol._ Sure enough, sir, Mrs. Haller is an excellent woman; but she's not an angel for all that. I am an old faithful servant to his Excellency the Count, and therefore it is my duty to speak, when any thing is done disadvantageous to his interest. _Bar._ Well! _Sol._ For instance, now; his Excellency may think he has at least some score of dozens of the old six-and-twenty hock. Mercy on us! there are not ten dozen bottles left; and not a drop has gone down my throat, I'll swear. _Bar._ [_Smiling._] Mrs. Haller has not drank it, I suppose? _Sol._ Not she herself, for she never drinks wine. But if any body be ill in the village, any poor woman lying-in, away goes a bottle of the six-and-twenty! Innumerable are the times that I've reproved her; but she always answers me snappishly, that she will be responsible for it. _Bar._ So will I, Mr. Solomon. _Sol._ Oh! with all my heart, your Honourable Lordship. It makes no difference to me. I had the care of the cellar twenty years, and can safely take my oath, that I never gave the poor a single drop in the whole course of my trust. _Bar._ How extraordinary is this woman! _Sol._ Extraordinary! One can make nothing of her. To-day, the vicar's wife is not good enough for her. To-morrow, you may see her sitting with all the women of the village. To be sure she and I agree pretty well; for, between me and your Honourable Lordship, she has cast an eye upon my son Peter. _Bar._ Has she? _Sol._ Yes--Peter's no fool, I assure you. The schoolmaster is teaching him to write. Would your Honourable Lordship please to see a specimen; I'll go for his copy-book. He makes his pothooks capitally. _Bar._ Another time, another time. Good bye for the present, Mr. Solomon. [_SOLOMON bows, without attempting to go._] Good day, Mr. Solomon. _Sol._ [_Not understanding the hint._] Your Honourable Lordship's most obedient servant. _Bar._ Mr. Solomon I wish to be alone.