but this is not enough, as I have been the means of losing your daughter one husband, it is but just I should get her another; and, since the farmer is so scrupulous, there is a young man in the house here, whom I have some influence over, and I dare say he will be less squeamish.

Fair. To be sure, my lord, you have, in all honest ways, a right to dispose of me and mine, as you think

proper.

Lord A. Go then immediately, and bring Patty hither; I shall not be easy till I have given you entire satisfaction. But, stay and take a letter, which I am stepping into my study to write: I'll order a chaise to be got ready, that you may go backward and forward with greater expedition.

[Exeunt.

Fanny. Ralph, Ralph!

Ralph. What do you want with me, eh?

Fanny. Lord, I never knowed such a man as you are, since I com'd into the world; a body can't speak to you, but you falls strait ways into a passion: I followed you up from the house, only you run so, there was no such a thing as overtaking you, and I have been waiting there at the back door ever so long.

Ralph. Well, and now you may go and wait at the fore door, if you like it: but I forewarn you and your

gang not to keep lurking about our mill any longer; for if you do, I'll send the constable after you, and have you every mother's skin clapped into the county gaol: you are such a pack of thieves, one can't hang so much as a rag to dry for you: it was but the other day that a couple of them came into our kitchen to beg a handful of dirty flour, to make them cakes, and before the wench could turn about, they had whipped off three brass candlesticks, and a pot-lid.

Fanny. Well, sure it was not I!

Ralph. Then you know that old rascal, that you call father; the last time I catched him laying snares for the hares, I told him I'd inform the gamekeeper, and I'll expose all—

Fanny. Ah, dear Ralph, don't be angry with me.

Ralph. Yes, I will be angry with you-what do you come nigh me for?-You shan't touch meThere's the skirt of my coat, and if you do but lay a finger on it, my lord's bailiff is here in the court, and I'll call him and give you to him.

Fanny. If you'll forgive me, I'll go down on my knees.

Ralph. I tell you I won't.-No, no, follow your gentleman; or go live upon your old fare, crows and pole-cats, and sheep that die of the rot; pick the dead fowl off the dunghills, and squench your thirst at the next ditch, 'tis the fittest liquor to wash down such dainties-skulking about from barn to barn, and lying upon wet straw, on commons, and in green lanes -go, and be whipped from parish to parish, as you used to be.

Fanny. How can you talk so unkind ?

Ralph. And see whether you will get what will keep you as I did, by telling of fortunes, and coming with pillows under your apron, among the young farmers' wives, to make believe you are breeding, with " The Lord Almighty bless you, sweet mistress, you cannot tell how soon it may be your own case." You