Page:Passions 2.pdf/470

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458
THE SECOND MARRIAGE:

slept only a quarter of an hour; and I have enjoyed as many honours in that short term as would enrich my life-time,—Shall they indeed enrich it?—Wise men, in former ages, consider'd the visions of our sleep as faintly sketching out what is to happen, like trees and castles seen thro' the morning mist, before the brightening sun gives to them the distinct clearness of reality. (smiling animatedly.) In faith I could almost believe it! There is that invigorating confidence within me which says I shall not stop short at these paltry attainments—A baronet! every body now is a baronet.—My soul disdains the thought! (gives his chair a kick, and overturning it with a great noise,)

(Enter Pry alarmed.)

Pry. O la, Sir! what is the matter?

Sea. What, are you up Pry? Why are you out of bed so late?

Pry. Making your coffee, Sir.

Sea. Did not I tell you to leave it on the lamp, and go to bed?

Pry. Yes; but I thought it would keep warmer, some how, if I sat by it myself.

Sea. (aside.) Great fool! (aloud.) Let me have some of it then; my head will be clearer afterwards for writing.(Exit.

Pry. (shaking her head, and looking after him as he goes out.) Poor man! he would have every body to go to bed but himself. What has he got here now? (looking at the papers on the table.) Copies of letters to my Lord B—, and notes for a speech on the