Page:Dramas 1.pdf/225

Rh

it to me. I must e'en repeat to you again, that I will make the same offer for it which I made to him two years ago.

But consider, my dear sir, how much it has been improved since then. My plans have been already executed, and this, though it may not become me to say so, should weigh with you greatly.

I am sure it weighs heavily.

And look here at this sketch (unrolling a large plan upon the table)—look what groves, what lawns, what sweeping declivities and acclivities, what harmonious undulations! you shall have this plan—the benefit of all this tasteful design into the bargain,

No, Sir Level; I am not such a Jew as to crib that in, along with the rest. I'll first, if you please, purchase the estate in my own plain way, and then you may ask as much as you like for your plan afterwards. This is, in my simple conceit, the best way of proceeding. ( turns peevishly away.) You think differently, I see. But here comes Mr. Charville himself.

He's a cunning hunks,—can make nothing of