man; not a syllable do I know of
that mumps his servant, except that his name is Francis.

_Mrs. H._ You are putting yourself into a passion, and quite forget who
are expected.

_Sol._ So I do--Mercy on us!--There now, you see what misfortunes arise
from not knowing people.

_Mrs. H._ 'Tis near twelve o'clock already! If his lordship has stolen
an hour from his usual sleep, the family must soon be here. I go to my
duty; you will attend to yours, Mr. Solomon. [_Exit._

_Sol._ Yes, I'll look after my duty, never fear. There goes another of
the same class. Nobody knows who she is again. However, thus much I do
know of her, that her Right Honourable Ladyship the Countess, all at
once, popped her into the house, like a blot of ink upon a sheet of
paper. But why, wherefore, or for what reason, not a soul can
tell.--"She is to manage the family within doors." She to manage! Fire
and faggots! Haven't I managed every thing within and without, most
reputably, these twenty years? I must own I grow a little old, and she
does take a deal of pains: but all this she learned of me. When she
first came here--Mercy on us! she didn't know that linen was made of
flax. But what was to be expected from one who has no foreign
correspondence. [_Exit._

ACT THE SECOND.

SCENE I.

_A Drawing Room in the Castle, with a Piano Forte, Harp, Music,
Bookstand, Sofas, Chairs, Tables, &c._

_Enter SOLOMON._

_Sol._ Well, for once I think I have the advantage of Madam Haller. Such
a dance have I provided to welcome their Excellencies, and she quite out
of the the secret! And such a hornpipe by the little Brunette! I'll have
a rehearsal first though, and then surprise their honours after dinner.

[_Flourish of rural music without._

_Pet._ [_Without._] Stop; not yet, not yet: but make way there, make
way, my good friends, tenants, and villagers.--John! George! Frederick!
Good friends, make way.

_Sol._ It is not the Count: it's only Baron Steinfort. Stand back, I
say; and stop the music!

_Enter BARON STEINFORT, ushered in by PETER and FOOTMEN. PETER
mimicks and apes his father._

_Sol._ I have the honour to introduce to your lordship myself, Mr.
Solomon, who blesses the hour in which fortune allows him to become
acquainted with the Honourable Baron Steinfort, brother-in-law of his
Right Honourable Excell