Next Door Neighbours: A Comedy; In Three Acts. Louis Sébastien Mercier

Чтение книги онлайн.

СКАЧАТЬ style="font-size:15px;">      No, I call it something worse.

EVANS

      Then, although she loves gaming to distraction, and plays deep, yet she never loses.

BLUNTLY

      No, but she always wins – and that I call something worse.

[A loud rapping at the street-door.EVANS

      Here's the company. Will you permit me, Mr. Bluntly, to stand in one corner, and have a peep at them?

BLUNTLY

      If you please. (Rapping again.) What spirit there is in that, Rat, tat, tat, tat. – And what life, frolic, and joy, the whole house is going to experience except myself. As for me, I am ready to cry at the thoughts of it all.

[Exit. Enter Lady CarolineLADY CAROLINE

      Here, the first of the company. I am sorry for it. (Evans comes forward.) Evans, what has brought you hither?

EVANS

      I came, my lady, to see the preparations making on your account – for it is upon your account alone, that Sir George gives this grand fête.

LADY CAROLINE

      Why, I do flatter myself it is. – But where is he? What is it o'clock? – It was impossible to stay at the stupid opera. – How do I look? I once did intend to wear those set of diamonds Sir George presented me with the other morning – but then, I reflected again, that if —

EVANS

      Ah, my lady, what a charming thing to have such a lover – Sir George prevents every wish —

      he must make the best of husbands.

LADY CAROLINE

      And yet my father wishes to break off the marriage – he talks of his prodigality – and, certainly, Sir George lives above his income.

EVANS

      But then, Madam, so does every body else.

LADY CAROLINE

      But Sir George ought undoubtedly to change his conduct, and not be thus continually giving balls and entertainments – and inviting to his table acquaintance, that not only come to devour his dinners and suppers, but him.

EVANS

      And there are people malicious enough to call your ladyship one of his devourers too.

LADY CAROLINE

      As a treaty of marriage is so nearly concluded between us, I think, Mrs. Evans, I am at liberty to visit Sir George, or to receive his presents, without having my character, or my delicacy called in question. (A loud rapping.) The company are coming: is it not strange he is not here to receive them.

[Exit Evans. Enter two Ladies and a Gentleman, who curtsy andbow to Lady Caroline. – Sir George entersat the opposite door, magnificently dressedSIR GEORGE

      Ladies, I entreat your pardon; dear Lady

      Caroline excuse me. I have been in the country all the morning, and have had scarce time to return to town and dress for your reception.

[Another rapping.

      Enter Mr. Lucre, Lord Hazard, LadyBridget Squander, &c.

SIR GEORGE

      Dear Lucre, I am glad to see you.

MR. LUCRE

      My dear Sir George, I had above ten engagements this evening, but they all gave place to your invitation.

SIR GEORGE

      Thank you. – My dear Lady Bridget —

LADY BRIDGET

      It is impossible to resist an invitation from the most polished man alive. (Sir George bows.) What a superb dress! (in his hearing, as he turnsaway) and what an elegant deportment.

MR. LUCRE[After speaking apart with Sir George.

      No, I am not in a state to take any part at Pharo – I am ruin'd. – Would you believe it Sir George, I am not worth a farthing in the world.

SIR GEORGE

      Yes, I believed it long ago.

MR. LUCRE

      Now we are on that subject – could you lend me a hundred pounds?

SIR GEORGE[Taking out his pocket-book.

      I have about me, only this bill for two hundred.

MR. LUCRE

      That will do as well – I am not circumstantial. (Takes it.) And my dear Sir George command my purse at any time – all it contains, will ever be at your service.

SIR GEORGE

      I thank you.

MR. LUCRE

      Nay, though I have no money of my own, yet you know I can always raise friends – and by heaven! my dear Sir George, I often wish to see you reduced to my circumstances, merely to prove how much I could, and would, do to serve you.

SIR GEORGE

      I sincerely thank you.

MR. LUCRE

      And one can better ask a favour for one's friend than for one's-self, you know: for when one wants to borrow money on one's own account, there are so many little delicacies to get the better of – such as I felt just now. – I was as pale as death, I dare say, when I asked you for this money – did not you perceive I was?

SIR GEORGE

      I can't say I did.

MR. LUCRE

      But you must have observed I hesitated, and looked very foolish.

SIR GEORGE

      I thought for my part, that I looked as foolish. – But I hope I did not hesitate.

MR. LUCRE

      Nor ever will, when a friend applys to you, I'll answer for it – Nor ever shall a friend hesitate when you apply.

LORD HAZARD[Taking Sir George aside.

      The obligations I am under to you for extricating me from that dangerous business —

SIR GEORGE

      Never name it.

LORD HAZARD

      Not only name it, Sir George, but shortly I hope to return the kindness; and, if I do but live —

SIR GEORGE[To the company.

      Permit me to conduct you to the next apartment.

LADY CAROLINE

      Most willingly, Sir George. I was the first who arrived; which proves my eagerness to dance.

SIR GEORGE[Aside to her.

      But let me hope, passion for dancing was not the only one, that caused your impatience.

[As the company move towards the ball-room, Mr. Lucre and Lord Hazard comeforward.MR. LUCRE

      Oh! there never was such a man in the world as the master of this house; there never was such a friendly, generous, noble heart; he has the best heart in the world, and the best taste in dress.

[The company Exeunt, and the music is heardto begin.

      SCENE II. An Apartment, which denotesthe Poverty of the Inhabitants. Henry and Eleanor discovered

ELEANOR

      It СКАЧАТЬ