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upon my stupid pate! I deserve to be hang'd for it. (beating his head and grasping his hair.) O my pretty ones! I sent you all to him that you might work on his heart, for I knew what he wanted to say well enough, and yet I must needs thrust in my silly snout amongst you to mar all! For a man that can read books and cast accounts, and all that, to do such a trick! I deserve to be cudgel'd!

Soph. Don't be so angry at yourself, Robert: you meant it well, and you have always been so good to us!

Rob. Good to you! I love you like my own flesh and blood, every one of you; and if any body dare to do you wrong, I'llno matter what. (clenching his fist and nodding significantly.) He may turn me off if he please; but I'll not quit the neighbourhood: I'll watch over you, my pretty ones; and hang me if any one shall hurt a hair of your heads!

Soph. I thank you, Robert: but don't tell any body: that would not be right, you know. Come, children; you shall go with me to my own room.