It is his fhape. VELLUM. Sir GEORGE. So, now lay my beard upon the table.' VELLU M. After having look'd on Sir George thro' his fpectacles. I It is his face, every lineament! Sir GEORGE. Well, now I have put off the conjurer and the old man, I can talk to thee more at my ease. VELLU M. Believe me, my good mafter, I am as much rejoiced to fee you alive, as I was upon the day you were born. Your name was in all the news-papers, in the lift of those that were flain. Sir GEORGE. We have not time to be particular. I fhall only tell thee in general, that I was taken prifoner in the battle, and was under close confinement for feveral months. Upon my release, I was refolv'd to furprise my wife with the news of my being alive. I know, Vellum, you are a person of fo much penetration, that I need not ufe any further arguments to convince you that I am so. I am VELLU M. and moreover, I question not but your good Lady will likewise be convinced of it. Her Ho--nour is a difcerning Lady. Sir GEORGE. I'm only afraid the shou'd be convinc'd of it to her forrow. Is not fhe pleas'd with her imaginary Widowhood? Tell me truly, was the afflicted at the report of my death? VELLU M. Longer than I have known any Widows three days. Sir GEORGE. at leaft Three days, fay'ft thou? three whole days? I'm afraid thou flattereft me! O woman! woman! VELLU M. Grief is twofold. Sir GEORGE. This blockhead is as methodical as ever know he's honeft. VELLU M. but I [Afide. There is a real grief, and there is a methodical grief; fhe was drown'd in tears till fuch time as the Tailor had made her Widow's weeds - indeed they became her. Sir GEORGE. Became her! and was that her comfort? truly a most seasonable confolation! VELLU M. But I muft needs fay fhe paid a due regard to your memory, and could not forbear weeping when the saw company. Sir GEORGE. That was kind indeed! I find the griev'd with a deal of good-breeding. But how comes this gang of lovers about her? But her character is unblemish'd. She has been as vir tuous in your abfence as a Penelope. Sir Sir GE OR GE. There thou reviv'ft me- but what means this Tinfel Are his vifits acceptable? VELLU M. He is young. Sir GEORGE. Does the liften to him? VELLU M. He is gay. Sir GEORGE. Sure she could never entertain a thought of marry ing fuch a coxcomb! VELLU M. He is not ill made. Sir GEORGE. Are the vows and proteftations that past between uscome to this! I can't bear the thought of it! is Tinfel the man defign'd for my worthy fucceffor? VELLU M. You do not confider that you have been dead, thefe fourteen months Sir GEORGE. Was there ever fuch a dog? VELLUM. [Afide. And I have often heard her fay, that she must never expect to find a fecond Sir George Truman meaning your Ho..nour. Sir GEORGE. I think she lov'd me; but I must search into this ftory of the Drummer before I discover myself to her. I have put on this habit of a Conjurer, in order to introduce myself. It must be your business to recommend me as a moft profound perfon, that by my great knowledge in the curious arts can filence the Drummer, and difpoffefs the house. VELLU M. I am going to lay my accounts before my Lady, and I will endeavour to prevail upon her Ho--nour to admit the trial of your art. Sir GEORGE. I have scarce heard of any of these stories that did not arise from a love-intrigue Amours raife as many ghofts as murders. VELLU M. Mrs. Abigal endeavours to perfuade us, that 'tis your Ho--nour who troubles the house. I Sir GEORGE, That convinces me 'tis a cheat, for I think, Vellum, may be pretty well affur'd it is not me. VELLU M. I am apt to think fo truly. Ha-ha-ha. Sir GEORGE. Abigal had always an afcendent over her Lady, and if there is a trick in this matter, depend upon it fhe is at the bottom of it. I'll be hang'd if this ghoft be not one of Abigal's familiars. VELLU M. Mrs. Abigal has of late been very myfterious. I fancy, Vellum, thou coud'ft worm it out of her. I know formerly there was an amour between you. VEL. VELLU M. Mrs. Abigal hath her allurements, and fhe knows I have pick'd up a competency in your Ho--nour's fervice. Sir GEORGE. If thou haft, all I afk of thee in return is, that thou would'st immediately renew thy addreffes to her. Coax her up. Thou haft such a filver tongue, Vellum, as 'twill. be impoffible for her to withstand. Befides, fhe is fo very a woman, that she'll like thee the better for giving her the pleasure of telling a secret. In short, wheedle her out of it, and I shall act by the advice: which thou givest me. VELLU M. Mrs. Abigal was never deaf to me, when I talk'd upon that subject. I will take an opportunity of addres fing myself to her in the moft pathetic manner. Sir GEORGE. In the mean time lock me up in your office, and bring me word what success you have Well, fure I am* the first that ever was employ'd to lay himself.. VELLU M. You act indeed a threefold part in this houfe; you: are a Ghost, a Conjurer, and my ho--noured Mafter Sir George Truman; he, he, he! You will' pardon me for being jocular. Sir GEORGE. O, Mr. Vellum, with all my heart. You know F love Men of wit and humour. Be as merry as thou you pleaseft, fo thou doft thy business. [Mimicking him.] You will remember, Vellum, your commiffion is twofold, first to gain admiffion for me to your Lady, and fecondly to› the Secret out of Abigal. get It fufficeth. VELLUM.. [The Scene foutsə Enter |