_Sid_. Poor Charles! he little dreams that I love Constantia too,--but to what degree I knew not myself, till he importuned me to join their hands.--Yes--I love--but must not be a rival; for he is dear to me as fraternal affinity:--my benefactor--my friend--and that name is sacred:-- it is our better self; and ever ought to be preferred;--for the man who gratifies his passions at the expence of his friend's happiness, wants but a head to contrive--for he has a heart capable of the blackest vice.
_Bet_. I beg pardon for my intrusion, sir. I hope, sir, I do not disturb your reverence!
_Bet_. I humbly beg you will excuse me, sir:--but I wanted to break my mind to your honour--about a scruple that lies upon my conscience:--and indeed I should not have presumed to trouble you, sir, but that I know you are my young master's friend,--and my old master's friend,--and indeed--a friend to the whole family: [_runs up to him and curtsies very low._] for to give you your due, sir, you are as good a preacher as ever went into a pulpit.
_Sid_. Ha, ha, ha! do you think so, Mrs. Betty?
_Bet_. Ay, in truth do I; and as good a gentleman too as ever came into a family, and one that never gives a servant a bad word, nor that does any one an ill turn neither behind their back, nor before their face.
_Sid_. Ha, ha, ha! why you are a mighty well spoken woman, Mrs. Betty, and I am mightily beholden to you for your good character of me.
_Bet_. Indeed, sir, it is no more than you deserve, and what all the world and all the servants say of you.
_Sid_. I am much obliged to them, Mrs. Betty.--But pray what are your commands with me?
_Bet_. Why, I'll tell you, sir:--to be sure I am but a servant, as a body may say--and every tub should stand upon its own bottom;--but--[_she takes hold of him familiarly, looks first about cautiously, and speaks in a low familiar tone of great secrecy._] my young master is now in the china room in close conference with Miss Constantia;--I know what they are about--but that is no business of mine--and therefore I made bold to listen a little--because you know, sir, one would be sure--before one took away any body's reputation.
_Sid_. Very true, Mrs. Betty,--very true indeed.