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Sea. O, that is what you meant—I am glad to hear it, certainly; a cripple in a family is not easily provided for. But pray now, let me understand this matter more perfectly.

Bea. I tell you I have forgot how they treated the leg, but

''Sea. (impatiently.)'' No, no, no! What relations, what connexions had Asby to push him? a man can't get on without some assistance:—his family, I always understood, was low and distress'd.

Bea. He had two or three ways of getting on, which I would not advise any friend of mine to follow him in, and the worst of them all was making what is called a convenient marriage.

''Sea. (affecting to laugh.)'' Ha, ha, ha! you are severe, Beaumont: many a respectable man has suffered interest to determine even his choice of a wife. Riches and honours must have their price paid for them.

Bea. Trash and dirt! I would not have a disagreeable vixen to tyrannise over my family for the honours of a peerage.

Sea. Well, well! people think differently upon most subjects.

Bea. They do indeed; and it is not every one who thinks so delicately, and has so much reason to do so, upon this subject, as we have, my dear Seabright. Our wives—

''Sea. (interrupting him hastily.)'' And he comes in for the county, you say?