Page:Passions 2.pdf/387

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Bea. No, no, Seabright! you mistake me: high sheriff of the county, I said. How you do interest yourself in the fortunes of this man!

Sea. And what should surprise you in this? By heaven there is nothing so interesting to me as to trace the course of a prosperous man through this varied world! First he is seen like a little stream, wearing its shallow bed through the grass; circling, and winding, and gleaning up its treasures from every twinkling rill as it passes: farther on the brown sand fences its margin, the dark rushes thicken on its side: farther, on still, the broad flags shake their green ranks, the willows bend their wide boughs o'er its course: and yonder, at last, the fair river appears, spreading his bright waves to the light!

''Bea. (staring strangely on him, then turning away some paces, and shaking his head ruefully)'' Poor man! poor man! his intellects are deranged; he is not in his senses.

''Sea. (to'' Ser.) Very well. (to Bea.) Let us go to the breakfast room, Beaumont, and you'll find something prepared for you. (As they are about to go out, the children appear at a distance in the garden.)

''Bea. (looking out.)'' Ha! yonder are the children! Blessings on them! I must run and speak to them first.(Exit into the garden to the children.

''Sea. (to himself, looking contemptuously after'' Bea.) Ay, go to the children! thou art only fit company for them! To come here with his comfort and his