Page:Passions 2.pdf/119

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A COMEDY.
107

in this gentleman's face and call him uncle? Nay, don't be frightened at him. (to Balt.) Poor girl, she has stood in awe of you intolerably.

Balt. (embracing her) She shall stand in awe of me no more; and, if ever I look sternly upon her again, I will cheerfully submit to whatever correction she may think proper to inflict upon me. (smiling significantly.)

Char. (holding out his hand to Charlotte.) And is there no such thing as cousins to be made out of all this store of relationship.

Charl. O yes! there is a lazy, idle, good-for-nothing thing called a cousin, that we must all have some little kindness for, as in duty bound, notwithstanding.

Free. Don't mind her, my friend Charles: you shall be lazy and idle no longer. I'll find employment for you: I'll rouse you up and make a man of you. There is not a peer of the realm has it in his power to do more for his relations than I have. And by heaven I will do it too.

True. (laying his hand on Freeman's shoulder.) Gently now, my good Sir! we know all that perfectly well.

Balt. (aside to True.) O, let him boast now, he is entitled to it.

Free. (aside to Balt, giving a nod of satisfaction) Ay, all is well, I see. (aloud) Now, my happy friends, if I have been of any use amongst you, shew me your gratitude by spending the rest of the