_Lord A._ Since my uncle has so far forgotten his duty as a guardian, I have now an opportunity, which I shall not neglect, to bring him to a proper recollection--you have nothing to do but to obey my orders; and these are that the fourteen thousand pounds, of which he has defrauded my estate, shall be immediately repaid. Look to it, sir, and to the other affair you are entrusted with, and see that the law neglects no measures to recover what is due to me. [_Exit._
_O'Ded._ And by St. Patrick, if the law gives you what is due to you, that's what I'm too polite to mention. You've had your swing in iniquity long enough, and such swings are very apt to end in one that's much too exalted for my notions. [_Exit._
SCENE II.--_an apartment at_ sir Willoughby's.--_Enter_ sir Willoughby, _and_ William _meeting him, the latter delivers a letter._
_Will._ The gentleman desired me to say he is below, sir.
_Sir W._ Hey! (_reads_) "My dear Worret, I hope that a long absence from my native land has not obliterated the recollection of our friendship. I have thought it right to adopt this method of announcing my return, lest my too sudden appearance should hurt _your_ feelings, by deranging the _delicate nerves_ of your _amiable lady_" Hey!
Bless my soul! Falkner alive? show the gentleman up.
_Falk._ My old friend, I rejoice to see you.
_Sir W._ Friend Falkner, I shan't attempt to say how welcome your return is. We all thought you dead and buried. Where have you been all these years?
_Sir W._ I see you still retain your old antipathy to answering questions, so I shall ask none--Have you been in France, or among the savages? Hey! I remember you had a daughter at school--is she alive? is she merry or miserable? Is she married?
_Falk._ Zounds what a medley! France and savages! marriage and misery!
_Sir W._ Ods life, I'm happy to see you! I haven't been so cheerful or happy for many a day.
_Sir W._ Hey! thank ye, sir! why that excellent good woman is in high health, in astonishing health! by my troth I speak it with unspeakable joy, I think she's a better life now than she was when I married her! (_in a melancholy tone._)
_Falk._ That must be a source of _vast comfort_ to you. I don't wonder at your being so cheerful and happy.