Enter Seabright.
We have been waiting for you, papa; Robert told us you wanted to see us all together.
Sea. Did Robert tell you so? I wanted to see you alone, Sophia, but since it is so, the others may remain. I have got something to say to you.
Soph. You look very grave, my dear Sir: have I offended you?
Eldest Boy. It was I who broke the china vase, so don't be angry with her for that.
Sea. My brave boy! it is distress, and not anger, that makes me grave.
Soph. And are you distress'd, papa? O don't be distress'd! we will do every thing that we can to please you. I know very well we can't make you so happy as when mama was alive; but we will be such good children! we will obey you, and serve you, and love you so much, if you will but play with us, and look upon us again as you used to do!
Sea. (softened.) My dear girl, I wish I could make you all happy: I wish to raise your situation in the world above the pitch of my present confined abilities: I wish—(stops and is much embarrassed.)
Soph. (kissing his hand.) My dear, dear father! you say that I am your dear girl, and I promise you you shall find me a good one. I want no better fortune in the world, than to live with you and be useful to you. I can overlook the household matters, and order every thing in the family as you would like to have it. I want no better fortune
