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Rh Sir John. You alarm me. What can that be?

Sterl. I can't ſtir a ſtep in this buſineſs without conſulting my ſiſter Heidelberg.—The family has very great expectations from her, and we muſt not give her any offence.

Sir John. But if you come into this meaſure, ſurely ſhe will be ſo kind as to conſent—

Sterl. I don't know that—Betſey is her darling, and I can't tell how far ſhe may reſent any ſlight that ſeems to be offered to her favourite neiceniece [sic].—However, I'll do the beſt I can for you.—You ſhall go and break the matter to her firſt, and by that time that I may ſuppoſe that your rhetorick has prevailed on her to liſten to reaſon, I will ſtep in to reinforce your arguments.

Sir John. I'll fly to her immediately: you promiſe me your aſſiſtance?

Sterl. I do.

Sir John. Ten thouſand thanks for it! and now ſucceſs attend me!

Sterl. Harkee, Sir John!

Sterl. Not a word of the thirty thouſand to my ſiſter, Sir John.

Sir John. Oh, I am dumb, I am dumb, Sir.

Sterl. You remember it is thirty thouſand.

Sir John. To be ſure I do.

Sterl. But Sir John!—one thing more. [Sir John returns.] My Lord muſt know nothing of this ſtroke of friendſhip between us.

Sir John. Not for the world.—Let me alone! let me alone!

Sterl. [holding him]—And when every thing is agreed, we muſt give each other a bond to be held faſt to the bargain.

Sir John. To be ſure. A bond by all means! a bond, or whatever you pleaſe. [Exit haſtily. Sterling