Page:Passions 2.pdf/99

Rh

you know: a purchased debt is his property as well as a bale of broadcloth; and he has a great many charitable deeds and bountiful donations to put into the balance against one little underhand act of unmanly baseness.

True. Hang all his bountiful donations! If he has done this, I will curse him by the hour-glass with any good fellow that will keep me company.

Balt. Nay, nay, nay! you are warm, Truebridge. You are of an irritable disposition. You have no charitable allowances to make for the failings of good people. Ha, ha, ha!

Turn. Mr. Freeman begs to be admitted to see Mr. Baltimore.

Balt. (stretching out his arm vehemently.) Does he, by my conscience! (to True.) What think you of this?

True. If things are as we suspect, it does, indeed, exceed all ordinary calculations of effrontery.

Balt. (to Turn.) Let him be admitted. (exit Turn.) Now we shall see the smoothness of his snake's skin; but the switch, not the sword, shall scotch it. (walks hastily up and down.)

Balt. (stopping short upon his entrance, and assumes an ironical respect.) Good morning, worthy Sir. You are the only man in England, I may say in Europe, nay, I will say in the whole habitable globe, for you love magnificence, Mr. Freeman, whose