mp little devil, as round as a
tea kettle.

_Shuff._ I'll be after the brazier's daughter, to-morrow.

_Sir Simon._ But you have weight with him. Talk to him, my dear
Tom--reason with him; try your power, Tom, do!

_Shuff._ I don't much like plotting with the father against the
son--that's reversing the New School, Baronet.

_Sir Simon._ But it will serve Frank: it will serve me, who wish to
serve you. And to prove that I do wish it, I have been keeping
something in embryo for you, my dear Tom Shuffleton, against your
arrival.

_Shuff._ For me?

_Sir Simon._ When you were last leaving us, if you recollect, you
mention'd, in a kind of a way, a--a sort of an intention of a loan,
of an odd five hundred pounds.

_Shuff._ Did I? I believe I might.--When I intend to raise money, I
always give my friends the preference.

_Sir Simon._ I told you I was out of cash then, I remember.

_Shuff._ Yes: that's just what I told you, I remember.

_Sir Simon._ I have the sum floating by me, now, and much at your
service. [_Presenting it._

_Shuff._ Why, as it's lying idle, Baronet, I--I--don't much care if
I employ it. [_Taking it._

_Sir Simon._ Use your interest with Frank, now.

_Shuff._ Rely on me.--Shall I give you my note?

_Sir Simon._ No, my dear Tom, that's an unnecessary trouble.

_Shuff._ Why that's true--with one who knows me so well as you.

_Sir Simon._ Your verbal promise to pay, is quite as good.

_Shuff._ I'll see if Frank's stirring. [_Going._

_Sir Simon._ And I must talk to my steward. [_Going._

_Shuff._ Baronet!

_Sir Simon._ [_Returning._] Eh?

_Shuff._ Pray, do you employ the phrase, "verbal promise to pay,"
according to the reading of old dictionaries, or as it's the fashion
to use it at present.

_Sir Simon._ Oh, damn it, chuse your own reading, and I'm content.
[_Exeunt severally._

SCENE II.

_A Dressing Room._

_FRANK ROCHDALE writing; WILLIAMS attending._

_Frank._ [_Throwing down the Pen._] It don't signify--I cannot
write. I blot, and tear; and tear, and blot; and----. Come here,
Williams. Do let me hear you, once more. Why the devil don't you
come here?

_Williams._ I am here, sir.

_Frank._ Well, well; my good fellow, tell me. You found means to
deliver her the letter yesterday?

_Willia