Page:Passions 2.pdf/447

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A COMEDY.
435

quence and high connexions give a man such velocity in moving, that nothing can stop his career.—But I ought to tell you, by-the-bye, that old Saunter is dead, unexpectedly; and that office, if it indeed can be consider'd as any object to you now, is ready for your acceptance.

Soph. (aside to Sea.) Is that the office, papa?

Sea. Yes, child; hold your tongue. (aloud.) I am obliged to you for this intelligence, Sir Crafty: an office for life, tho' not very considerable, is of some consequence to a man who has a family of children. (Soph, takes her father's hand and presses it gratefully.)

Sir C. Ha, ha, ha! Sir Anthony Seabright, with all his abilities and connexions, is, like a very good father, anxious to provide for his family! I thought, my dear Sir, such talents as your's had generally been accompanied with an aspiring temper; but Lady Sarah's prudent character, I perceive, has had its effect upon you.

Sea. No, no; you are wrong.

Sir C. Nay, pardon me if I say that you also are wrong, in fixing yourself down, in the very beginning of your career, as a quiet unaspiring man, who is glad to be early provided for in a quiet, humble permanency: for this office, you know, is regarded as——

Sea. (interrupting him eagerly.) What, is it regarded in that light?

Sir C. It really is. Mr.Trotman, now promoted to a peerage, and whose first speech, by-the-bye