The Stranger Part 10

_Char._ [_To the STRANGER._] Sir, my master and mistress, the Count and Countess, present their respectful compliments, and request the honour of your company at a family supper this evening.

_Stra._ I shall not come.

_Char._ But you'll scarce send such an uncivil answer as this. The Count is overpowered with grat.i.tude. You saved his son's life.

_Stra._ I did it willingly.

_Char._ And won't accept of, "I thank you," in return?

_Stra._ No.

_Char._ You really are cruel, sir, I must tell you. There are three of us ladies at the Castle, and we are all dying with curiosity to know who you are. [_Exit STRANGER._] The master is crabbed enough, however. Let me try what I can make of the man. Pray, sir-- [_FRANCIS turns his back to her._] --The beginning promises little enough. Friend, why won't you look at me.

_Fra._ I like to look at green trees better than green eyes.

_Char._ Green eyes, you monster! Who told you, that my eyes were green?

Let me tell you there have been sonnets made on my eyes, before now.

_Fra._ Glad to hear it.

_Char._ To the point then at once. What is your master?

_Fra._ A man.

_Char._ I surmised as much. But what's his name?

_Fra._ The same as his father's.

_Char._ Not unlikely;--and his father was--

_Fra._ Married.

_Char._ To whom?

_Fra._ To a woman.

_Char._ [_Enraged._] I'll tell you what; who your master is I see I shall not learn, and I don't care; but I know what you are.

_Fra._ Well, what am I?

_Char._ A bear! [_Exit._

_Fra._ Thank you! Now to see how habit and example corrupt one's manners. I am naturally the civilest spoken fellow in the world to the pretty prattling rogues; yet, following my master's humour, I've rudely driven this wench away. I must have a peep at her though.

[_Looking towards the Park gate._

_Enter STRANGER._

_Stra._ Is that woman gone?

_Fra._ Yes.

_Stra._ Francis!

_Fra._ Sir.

_Stra._ We must be gone too.

_Fra._ But whither?

_Stra._ I don't care.

_Fra._ I'll attend you.

_Stra._ To any place?

_Fra._ To death.

_Stra._ Heav'n grant it--to me, at least! There is peace.

_Fra._ Peace is every where. Let the storm rage without, if the heart be but at rest. Yet I think we are very well where we are: the situation is inviting; and nature lavish of her beauties, and of her bounties too.

_Stra._ But I am not a wild beast, to be stared at, and sent for as a show. Is it fit I should be?

_Fra._ Another of your interpretations! That a man, the life of whose only son you have saved, should invite you to his house, seems to me not very unnatural.

_Stra._ I will not be invited to any house.

_Fra._ For once, methinks, you might submit. You'll not be asked a second time.

_Stra._ Proud wretches! They believe the most essential service is requited, if one may but have the honour of sitting at their table. Let us begone.

_Fra._ Yet hold, sir! This bustle will soon be over. Used to the town, the Count and his party will soon be tired of simple nature, and you will again be freed from observation.

_Stra._ Not from your's.

_Fra._ This is too much. Do I deserve your doubts?

_Stra._ Am I in the wrong?

_Fra._ You are indeed!

_Stra._ Francis, my servant, you are my only friend.

_Fra._ That t.i.tle makes amends for all.

_Stra._ But look, Francis; there are uniforms and gay dresses in the walk again. No, I must be gone. Here I'll stay no longer.

_Fra._ Well then, I'll tie up my bundle.