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as; and Mrs. Haller said I must be sure not to blab, or say that she had sent it. Well, well, she may be easy for that matter; not a word shall drop from my lips. Mrs. Haller is charming, but silly, if father is right; for father says, "He, that spends his money is not wise," but "he that gives it away, is stark mad." _Enter the STRANGER, from the Lodge, followed by FRANCIS.--At sight of PETER, the STRANGER stops, and looks suspiciously at him. PETER stands opposite to him, with his mouth wide open. At length he takes off his hat, scrapes a bow, and goes into the Hut._ _Stra._ Who is that? _Fra._ The steward's son. _Stra._ Of the Castle? _Fra._ Yes. _Stra._ [_After a pause._] You were--you were speaking last night-- _Fra._ Of the old countryman? _Stra._ Ay. _Fra._ You would not hear me out. _Stra._ Proceed. _Fra._ He is poor. _Stra._ Who told you so? _Fra._ Himself. _Stra._ [_With acrimony._] Ay, ay; he knows how to tell his story, no doubt. _Fra._ And to impose, you think? _Stra._ Right! _Fra._ This man does not. _Stra._ Fool! _Fra._ A feeling fool is better than a cold sceptic. _Stra._ False! _Fra._ Charity begets gratitude. _Stra._ False! _Fra._ And blesses the giver more than the receiver. _Stra._ True. _Fra._ Well, sir. This countryman-- _Stra._ Has he complained to you? _Fra._ Yes. _Stra._ He, who is really unhappy, never complains. [_Pauses._] Francis, you have had means of education beyond your lot in life, and hence you are encouraged to attempt imposing on me:--but go on. _Fra._ His only son has been taken from him. _Stra._ Taken from him? _Fra._ By the exigency of the times, for a soldier. _Stra._ Ay! _Fra._ The old man is poor.-- _Stra._ 'Tis likely. _Fra._ Sick and forsaken. _Stra._ I cannot help him. _Fra._ Yes. _Stra._ How? _Fra._ By money. He may buy his son's release. _Stra._ I'll see him myself. _Fra._ Do so. _Stra._ But if he is an impostor! _Fra._ He is not. _Stra._ In that hut? _Fra._ In that hut. [_STRANGER goes into the Hut._] A good master, though one almost loses the use of speech by living with him. A man kind and clear--though I cannot understand him. He rails against the whole world, and yet no beggar leaves his door unsatisfied. I have now lived three years with him, and yet I know not who he is. A hater of society, no doubt; but not by Providence intended to
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