I cannot express
the sense I have of your munificence. Yet, sir, I presume you would not
wish me to quit the army.
SIR A. Oh, that shall be as your wife chooses.
CAPT. A. My wife, sir!
SIR A. Aye, aye, settle that between you--settle that between you.
CAPT. A. A wife, sir, did you say?
SIR A. Aye, a wife--why, did not I mention her before?
CAPT. A. Not a word of her, sir.
SIR A. Upon my word, I mustn't forget her, though! Yes, Jack, the
independence I was talking of is by a marriage,--the fortune is saddled
with a wife; but I suppose that makes no difference?
CAPT. A. Sir, sir, you amaze me!
SIR A. What's the matter? Just now you were all gratitude and duty.
CAPT. A. I was, sir; you talked to me of independence and a fortune, but
not one word of a wife.
SIR A. Why, what difference does that make? Sir, if you have the estate,
you must take it with the live stock on it, as it stands.
CAPT. A. If my happiness is to be the price, I must beg leave to decline
the purchase. Pray, sir, who is the lady?
SIR A.
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