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34

Jen. Mr. Baltimore, you know, has many unpleasant claims upon him.

Free. Debts, you mean: but what of that?

Jen. Only that I can venture to assure you, many of his creditors would have the greatest pleasure in life in obliging me. And when you have bought up their claims, it will be a very simple matter just to have him laid fast for a little while. The disgrace of that situation will effectually prevent the last days of the poll from preponderating in his favour. It is the easiest thing in the world.

''Free. (shrinking back from him.)'' Is that your scheme? O fie, fie! the rudest tongued lout in the parish would have blushed to propose it.

Mrs. F. If there should be no other alternative?

Free. Let me lose it then! To be a Member of Parliament, and not an honest man! O fie, fie, fie! (walking up and down much disturbed.)

Jen. To be sure—indeed it must be confessed, gentlemen have different opinions on these subjects; and I am free to confess, that I have great pleasure, upon this occasion, in submitting to your better judgment. And now, Sir, as I am sorry to be under the necessity of hurrying away from you upon an affair of some consequence to myself, will you have the goodness to indulge me with a few moments attention, just whilst I mention to you what I have done in regard to Southerndown church-yard?

Free. Well, it is my duty to attend to that. Have you ordered a handsome monument to be put