RLOTTE

Let my brother set out where he will in the fields of conversation, he
is sure to end his tour in the temple of gravity.

MANLY

Forgive me, my sister. I love my country; it has its foibles
undoubtedly;--some foreigners will with pleasure remark them--but such
remarks fall very ungracefully from the lips of her citizens.

DIMPLE

You are perfectly in the right, Colonel--America has her faults.

MANLY

Yes, Sir; and we, her children, should blush for them in private, and
endeavour, as individuals, to reform them. But, if our country has its
errors in common with other countries, I am proud to say America--I
mean the United States--has displayed virtues and achievements which
modern nations may admire, but of which they have seldom set us the
example.

CHARLOTTE

But, brother, we must introduce you to some of our gay folks, and let
you see the city, such as it is. Mr. Dimple is known to almost every
family in town; he will doubtless take a pleasure in introducing you.

DIMPLE

I shall esteem every service I can render your brother an honour.

MANLY

I fear the business I am upon will take up all my time, and my family
will be anxious to hear from me.

MARIA

His family! but what is it to me that he is married! [Aside.] Pray,
how did you leave your lady, Sir?

CHARLOTTE

My brother is not married [observing her anxiety]; it is only an odd
way he has of expressing himself. Pray, brother, is this business,
which you make your continual excuse, a secret?

MANLY

No, sister; I came hither to solicit the honourable Congress, that a
number of my brave old soldiers may be put upon the pension-list, who
were, at first, not judged to be so materially wounded as to need the
public assistance. My sister says true [to Maria]: I call my late
soldiers my family. Those who were not in the field in the late
glorious contest, and those who were, have their respective merits;
but, I confess, my old brother-soldiers are dearer to me than the
former description. Friendships made in adversity are lasting; our
countrymen may forget us, but that is no reason why we should forget
one another. But I must leave you; my time of engagement approaches.

CHARLOTTE

Well, but, brother, if you will go, will you please to conduct my fair
friend home? You live in the same street--I was to have gone with her
myself-- [Aside]. A lucky thought.

MARIA I am obliged to your sister, Sir, and