I withdrew to my study: and, in about a quarter of an hour, they let me know, that they were ready to attend me. I went in to them. They looked upon one another. Come, gentlemen, don’t fear to speak: consider me, for your uncle’s sake, as your brother.

The elder brother was going to speak; but hesi-tating, Come, said I, let me lead you into the matter Pray, Sir, what is your present situation? What are your present circumstances?

My father, Sir, was unhappy My father

Well, Sir, no more of your father He could do nothing for you. Your whole dependence, I presume, was upon your uncle.

My uncle, Sir, gave us all our education My uncle gave each brother a thousand guineas for putting out each to a merchant; five hundred only of which sums were so employed; and the other five hundred guineas are in safe hands.

Your uncle, Sir, all reverence to his memory, was an excellent man.

Indeed, Sir, he was.

And what, Sir, is the business you were brought up to?

My master is a West–India merchant.

And what, Mr. Danby, are your prospects in that way?

Exceeding hopeful, Sir, they would have been My master intended to propose to my uncle, had he lived to come — to town, to take me in a quarter-partner with him directly; and in a twelvemonth’s time, a half-partner.

A very good sign in your favour, Sir. You must have behaved yourself well. And will he now do it?

Ah! Sir And was silent.

Upon what terms, Mr. Danby, would he have ii ii 3 proposed to your uncle to take you in a quarter-partner?

Sir he talked of

Of what?

Four thousand pounds, Sir. But my uncle never gave us hopes of more than three thousand guineas each, besides the thousand he had given: and when he had so much reason to resent the unhappy steps of my father, he let us know, that he would not do any-thing for us: and, to say truth, the thousand pounds left us in the will, Is more than we expected.

Very ingenuous. I love you for your sincerity. But, pray, tell me, Will four thousand pounds be well laid out in a quarter-partnership?

To say truth, Sir, my master had a view, at the year’s end, if nothing unexpected happened to prevent it, to give me his niece in marriage; and then to admit me into half of the business, which would be equivalent to a fortune of as much more.

And do you love the young woman?

Indeed I do.

And does she countenance your address?

If her uncle I don’t doubt, if her uncle could have prevailed upon my uncle

Well, Sir, I am your uncle’s executor. Now, Sir, (to Mr. Edward Danby) let me know your situation; your prospects?