a man of
expectations; and hold my money as light as the purse in which I carry
it.

_Gay_. We drink, Master Wilford. Not a man of us has been chased as
yet.

_Wilf_. But you fill not fairly, sirs! Look at my measure! Wherefore a
large glass, if not for a large draught? Fill, I pray you, else let us
drink out of thimbles! This will never do for the friends of the nearest
of kin to the wealthiest peer in Britain.

_Gay_. We give you joy, Master Wilford, of the prospect of advancement
which has so unexpectedly opened to you.

_Wilf_. Unexpectedly indeed! But yesterday arrived the news that the
Earl's only son and heir had died; and to-day has the Earl himself been
seized with a mortal illness. His dissolution is looked for hourly; and
I, his cousin in only the third degree, known to him but to be unnoticed
by him--a decayed gentleman's son--glad of the title and revenues of a
scrivener's clerk--am the undoubted successor to his estates and coronet.

_Gay_. Have you been sent for?

_Wilf_. No; but I have certified to his agent, Master Walter, the
Hunchback, my existence, and peculiar propinquity; and momentarily expect
him here.

_Gay_. Lives there anyone that may dispute your claim--I mean
vexatiously?

_Wilf_. Not a man, Master Gaylove. I am the sole remaining branch of
the family tree.

_Gay_. Doubtless you look for much happiness from this change of
fortune?

_Wilf_. A world! Three things have I an especial passion for. The
finest hound, the finest horse, and the finest wife in the kingdom,
Master Gaylove!

Gay. The finest wife?

_Wilf_. Yes, sir; I marry. Once the earldom comes into my line, I shall
take measures to perpetuate its remaining there. I marry, sir! I do not
say that I shall love. My heart has changed mistresses too often to
settle down in one servitude now, sir. But fill, I pray you, friends.
This, if I mistake not, is the day whence I shall date my new fortunes;
and, for that reason, hither have I invited you, that, having been so
long my boon companions, you shall be the first to congratulate me.

[Enter Waiter]

_Waiter_. You are wanted, Master Wilford.

_Wilf_. By whom?

_Waiter_. One Master Walter.

_Wilf_. His lordship's agent! News, sirs! Show him in!

[Waiter goes out]

My heart's a prophet, sirs--The Earl is dead.

[Enter MASTER WALTER]

Well, Master Walter. How accost you me?

_Wal_. As your impatience shows me you would have me.