You think that this bill may be forged, and so do I; and if it should really prove that we are right in our conjectures, what would be the lot of young Van Landbergen, a shameful flight, or scandalous punishment; either of which would grievously have afflicted his innocent parent. We must one day give an account of what heaven has intrusted to us, and what would my account be, if I could only say, I had the means in my hands to save a good man from a misfortune which might have fatal consequences, and I chose rather to spend my money in useless diversions and selfish pleasures. If the bill is good, I shall be no loser; if not, it will be a source of perpetual satisfaction to think that I delivered a good father from the shame his ungrateful son would have entailed on him. WILLIAM. What an example! There are many, I know, that may possibly, this very evening, lose above fifty guilders at billiards or some other game, who yet would call your act of benevolence madness. CHARLES. That is their business, my friend. WILLIAM. But, if you present the bill to Mr. H——, will not the forgery be made equally public? CHARLES. That is not my design: it is to young Landbergen himself that we must present it. You have often wished me to be acquainted with him; now this bill, if it is not a good one, will give me an opportunity of introducing myself to him in the light of a friend. We requested the landlord to bring him into our private room, and he came accordingly, not knowing who sent for him. As soon as he saw me, he seemed disconcerted, which we did not notice and your brother civilly asked him to sit down, and the following conversation ensued. CHARLES. It gives me particular pleasure to meet with the son of worthy Mr. Van Landbergen, with whom I dined last week at Mrs. D——’s house; and you will, I hope, pardon me, if I embrace this opportunity of commencing an acquaintance with his son. Young Landbergen bowed in great confusion, with his eyes cast down, twisting his hat round upon his hand. Charles seemed not to observe his confusion, pulled the bell to order a bottle of wine, and the conversation continued. CHARLES. Your father is a worthy sensible man, Sir. What a happiness it is to have such a father. LANDBERGEN. A great happiness, Sir. WILLIAM. You are going, no doubt, to the Hague this evening, Mr. Landbergen; we may all go together, if it is agreeable to you. CHARLES. It would give us particular pleasure, as we intend calling on your father. LANDBERGEN. I am waiting here for a friend, so that it will be late before I can go—otherwise—— WILLIAM.