Page:Passions 2.pdf/110

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Serv. (aside to Balt.) He would bully it out now, but he is in a great quandary for all that.

Bal. (aside to Serv. angrily.) No, hang him he is as firm as a rock! (aloud to Free.) I am perfectly ready also, Sir. Now take your fire.

Free. No; I cannot call you out, and take the first fire myself: this does not appear to me reasonable.

Balt. You are the insulted man.

Free. Yes but I am the challenger, and must insist on first receiving your's.

True. (seizing Baltimore's arm.) Hold your rash hand, madman, and make not yourself accursed!

Balt. What do you mean, Truebridge?

True. (pointing to Free.) That there stands before you the unknown friend

Free. (to True, eagerly.) Hold, hold! remember your promise: I have bound you to it.

True. But you release me from that promise by effecting this meeting unknown to me, when I had every claim upon your confidence. I will not hold my tongue.

Balt. For God's sake, then, tell the worst thou hast got to say, for I am distracted!

True. There stands before you, then, that unknown friend; the great uncle of your wife, as I suffered you to suspect, who has paid all your debts, open'd your prison doors, and even kept