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Mrs. B. But how did he know we were here?

Land. La, madam! he saw your carriage in the yard, and moreover your man told him that his master and mistress had stopp'd here, on their way to Yorkshire, to see Sir Anthony's children. But here he comes, madam. Save us all! how proud and how vexed he looks!(Exit.

Lord A. Madam, I am sorry to find Mr. Beaumont is gone out: I had something of importance to communicate to him, but I believe it will be nearly the same thing if I impart it to you. I—I—(seems embarrassed.)—it is an unfortunate affair. As to myself, I have little to do with it; but it is right that the near relations of Sir Anthony Seabright should know, that his salt scheme has entirely fail'd, and he is involved in utter ruin; they can communicate the dreadful tidings to him more properly than I can.

Mrs. B. We are obliged to you, my Lord; it is a piece of intelligence we have every day expected to hear, but which does not certainly concern us more nearly than yourself, as I, who am Sir Anthony's connexion, stand exactly in the same degree of relation to him with your Lordship.

Lord A. Yes; my sister, indeed, would gratify very foolishly a foolish inclination—but it is a recent thing, scarcely to be consider'd as a—a—a—he had many children by your sister, and lived with her many years.