Are you ready to -
JERE. Sir, your father's steward says he comes to make proposals
concerning your debts.
VAL. Bid him come in: Mr Trapland, send away your officer; you
shall have an answer presently.
TRAP. Mr Snap, stay within call.
SCENE VII.
VALENTINE, SCANDAL, TRAPLAND, JEREMY, STEWARD who whispers
VALENTINE.
SCAN. Here's a dog now, a traitor in his wine: sirrah, refund the
sack.--Jeremy, fetch him some warm water, or I'll rip up his
stomach, and go the shortest way to his conscience.
TRAP. Mr Scandal, you are uncivil; I did not value your sack; but
you cannot expect it again when I have drunk it.
SCAN. And how do you expect to have your money again when a
gentleman has spent it?
VAL. You need say no more, I understand the conditions; they are
very hard, but my necessity is very pressing: I agree to 'em. Take
Mr Trapland with you, and let him draw the writing. Mr Trapland,
you know this man: he shall satisfy you.
TRAP. Sincerely, I am loth to be thus pressing, but my necessity -
VAL. No apology, good Mr Scrivener, you shall be paid.
TRAP. I hope you forgive me; my business requires -
SCENE VIII.
VALENTINE, SCANDAL.
SCAN. He begs pardon like a hangman at an execution.
VAL. But I have got a reprieve.
SCAN. I am surprised; what, does your father relent?
VAL. No; he has sent me the hardest conditions in the world. You
have heard of a booby brother of mine that was sent to sea three
years ago? This brother, my father hears, is landed; whereupon he
very affectionately sends me word; if I will make a deed of
conveyance of my right to his estate, after his death, to my younger
brother, he will immediately furnish me with four thousand pounds to
pay my debts and make my fortune.
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