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74

True. Well said, good Simeon! the blessings of the aged and the helpless are of a very buoyant quality. A cork jacket is nothing to them.

Free. Do my wife and daughter know of it?

Sim. No, please your honour; my mistress is not returned from her visit yet, and my poor young lady is closed up in her room with Madumselle, taking on her book-larning, as I suppose.

Free. I'll go home then, before they know any thing of it. (to Mrs. B.) My dear Madam, I return you my warmest acknowledgments. You flattered me, that I should have an opportunity, before I leave the house, of thanking, once more, the brave man who has saved my life.

Mrs. B. He will come to you immediately.

Char. (to Mrs. B.) Faith! I went to him myself, as you desired me, and he won't come.

Mrs. B. (frowning significantly to Char.) I have just come from him, and he will be here immediately.

Char. You went too, did you? I couldn't— (Mrs. B. frowns again, and Char. is silent.)

True. (to Free.) You had better sit down till he come.

Char. Yes, do sit in this chair in the recess; for you don't like the light in your eyes, I perceive. (leading Free, kindly to the chair.)

Free. I thank you. You are very good to me, friend Charles. I think you would have lent a helping hand yourself, if you had been in the way, to have saved a poor neighbour from drowning.