ar his churlish temper?

_Augusta._ And yet how deeply he was concerned about his brother's last
illness! how attentive to make him comfortable! He cannot be bad.

_Mrs. D._ Very possibly; but think, my Augusta, if he were----

_Augusta._ If he were not good towards me, then--I am very unhappy! I
love him so much, even to his faults, for they arise from unsuspicious
goodness of heart.

Enter COUNSELLOR FLEFFEL.

_Counsellor._ Good day to you, fair ladies; your most obedient servant.

_Mrs. D._ You honour us with your company sooner than we expected.

_Counsellor._ I was impatient, absolutely beside myself, upon my
honour, till fashion allowed me to fly hither; I am always so happy in
your charming company!

PHILIP BROOK entering.

_Philip._ Good morning to you, Madam [bows to Augusta.] Pray, is Mr.
Drave at home? [To the Counsellor] Good morning, Sir.

_Mrs. D._ No, Sir, he is just gone out. [They converse together. The
Counsellor talks to Augusta].

_Counsellor._ Miss Drave, we will have some sport.

_Augusta._ How so?

_Counsellor._ We'll make him look quite silly, by pretending to
compliment him.

_Augusta._ I must decline taking any part, Sir.

_Counsellor_ [to Philip]. Mr. Brook, I have the honour to pay you my
best compliments.

_Philip_ [turning quickly towards him]. On what account?

_Counsellor._ What account? Why--why--on having the happiness to see
you.

_Philip._ Then, you must pay them to yourself.

_Counsellor._ But, as I have the honour to be upon terms of strict
friendship with your----

_Philip._ Strict!

_Counsellor._ Very strict.

_Philip._ This is the first time I have heard of my brother's
strictness.

_Counsellor._ But, Mr. Brook, you are seldom to be seen; why is this?

_Philip._ That I may not be seen too often.

_Counsellor._ But, you lock yourself up like a hermit; 'tis quite
inconsistent with your age and station in life.

_Philip._ You think so?

_Counsellor._ It does not require much thinking, it is self-evident.

_Philip._ Indeed?

_Counsellor._ For instance--you live quite secluded from your friends.

_Philip_ [stepping back]. I distinguish between friends and
acquaintance.

_Counsellor._ And you neglect the favour and protection of the great.

_Philip._ Do not flatter me to my face.

_Counsellor._ With your fortune, I wonder you do not buy an office and
title.

_Philip._ Because----but your ques