_Belvil._ Come, Madam, give me leave to put my own interpretation upon your silence, and to plead for my friend, that now that only obstacle which seemed to stand in the way of your union is removed, you will suffer me to complete the happiness which my news seems to have brought him, by introducing him with a new claim to your favor, by the name of Mr. Bacon. (_Takes their hands and joins them, which_ MELESINDA _seems to give consent to with a smile._)
_Mr. H._ Generous Melesinda! my dear friend--"he and his issue," me and my issue!--O Lord!--
_Belvil._ I wish you joy, Jack, with all my heart.
_Mr. H._ Bacon, Bacon, Bacon--how odd it sounds! I could never be tired of hearing it. There was Lord Chancellor Bacon. Methinks I have some of the Verulam blood in me already.--Methinks I could look through Nature--there was Friar Bacon, a conjurer,--I feel as if I could conjure too----
_Servant._ Two young ladies and an old lady are at the door, inquiring if you see company, Madam.
_Melesinda._ Show them up.--My dear Mr. Bacon, moderate your joy.
_Enter three Ladies, being part of those who were at the Assembly._
_1st Lady._ My dear Melesinda, how do you do?
_2nd Lady._ How do you do? We have been so concerned for you----
_Old Lady._ We have been so concerned--(_seeing him_)--Mr. Hogsflesh----
_Mr. H._ There's no such person--nor there never was--nor 'tis not fit there should be--"surname and arms"--
_Belvil._ It is true what my friend would express; we have been all in a mistake, ladies. Very true, the name of this gentleman was what you call it, but it is so no longer. The succession to the long-contested Bacon estate is at length decided, and with it my friend succeeds to the name of his deceased relative.
_Mr. H._ "His Majesty has been graciously pleased"--
_1st Lady._ I am sure we all join in hearty congratulation--_(sighs)._
_2nd Lady._ And wish you joy with all our hearts--_(heigh ho!)_
_Old Lady._ And hope you will enjoy the name and estate many years--_(cries)._
_Belvil._ Ha! ha! ha! mortify them a little, Jack.
_Mr. H._ Ladies, for your congratulations I thank you; for the favors you have lavished on me, and in particular for this lady's _(turning to the old Lady)_ good opinion, I rest your debtor. As to any future favors--_(accosts them severally in the order in which he was refused by them at the assembly)_--Madam, shall always acknowledge your politeness; but at present, you see, I am engaged with a partner. Always be happy to respect you as a friend, but you must not look for anything further. Must beg of you to be less particular in your addresses to me. Ladies all, with this piece of advice, of Bath and you