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joke together, I'll make no more preface about it, my good neighbour. (still advancing as Balt. retreats, till he gets him close to the wall, and then, putting out his hand to take hold of him by the buttons, Balt. shrinks to one side and puts up his arm to defend himself.)

''Balt. (hastily)'' Sir, there is no button here! (recovering himself, and pointing in a stately manner to a chair.) Do me the honour. Sir, to be seated, and then I shall hear what you have to say.

''Free. (offended.)'' No, Sir, I perceive that the shorter I make my visit here the more acceptable it will be; I shall therefore say what I have to say, upon my legs. (assuming consequence.) Sir, I have by my interest, and some small degree of influence which I believe I may boast of possessing in the country, procured the nomination of a young man, to a creditable and advantageous appointment in the East Indies. If you have no objection, I bestow it upon your relation, here, Mr. Charles Baltimore, of whom I have a very good opinion.

Balt. Sir, I am at a loss to conceive how you should take it into your head to concern yourself in the affairs of my family. If Mr. Charles Baltimore chooses to consider himself as no longer belonging to it, he may be glad of your protection.

Mrs. B. My dear Mr. Baltimore, how strangely you take up this matter! Indeed, Mr. Freeman, you are very good: and pray don't believe that we are all ungrateful.