Tristram.

Your company! here’s wonders. I never knew you ask that before. ’Twas always stand off, Tristram: and you may go, Tristram: and we don’t want you, Tristram. What’s come to you now, that you ask my company?

R. Your master’s gone, Tristram; and I shall feel lonely.

T. My master is gone: and, as I believe, many thanks to you. I don’t know why ever you came here; but since you came all has gone wrong: there’s been more secrets and less sense: and now my master, or I should say, my late master, has quarrelled with the Countess and me; and I am turned loose on the world.

R. Do you want a fresh place, Tristram?

T. If I did, you are scarcely the man I should look to; thank you all the same.

R. I could give you some good advice.

T. I don’t want your advice neither, sir.

R. You love secrets, though: I have one I could tell you.

T. I have had enough of secrets. I wish you could tell me something that isn’t a secret.

R. It’s no secret, Tristram, that you love Miss Flora.

T. No, damn it: but it was a secret: and the best of them all. But now my master’s gone, I dare tell you a secret, sir. I always disliked you extremely from the first: and I don’t think better of you now.—I have to put a few things together before the maids come to do the room; and if you don’t go, I shall leave you to be dusted out. 2780

R. Wait, Tristram: I can teach you better manners. And I have a service to ask of you. Here’s a purse to help you and Flora. (giving.)

T. Well, this is a different matter. I am sure, sir, I am very much obliged to you. But I never saw the colour of your money before. (Aside.) More ducats!

R. No: because you served me better by trying to disoblige me. Now I pay you to oblige me in a trifling matter. ’Tis to find out Sir Gregory and deliver this letter to him.

T. Certainly, sir. Is there anything else that you may require, sir?

R. Yes. Just light me a taper, and I’ll seal the letter. You see I don’t trust you altogether, Tristram: not yet.

T. You may, sir. I want no more of Mr. Frederick’s secrets. Not that they were at all times unprofitable, though he never himself gave me a penny on their account.

R. (having sealed). Here ’tis. Will you please take it at once?

T. (taking). I will, sir. (Aside.) More secrets still: and more ducats. [Exit.

R. Enough should grow to reach Diana’s ears From Tristram’s curiosity. Meanwhile I’ll watch my time. My rival’s safely gone ... But how to face Diana? I think ’tis best To take her by surprise: a weaker force Then overwhelms. I will go change my dress. [Exit.