CHARLES. You really have, sir.

LOVEYET. Oh, yes, I recollect now;--you are the person who have supplanted
my son.

CHARLES. Indeed, sir, I am not that person.

LOVEYET. How!--Was you not with Harriet Trueman, this morning?

CHARLES. Yes, sir; but I have no intention to supplant your son, I assure
you; on the contrary, it is the supreme wish of my heart, that his love may
be rewarded with so rich a treasure as the amiable Harriet.

LOVEYET. He shall be rewarded with a much richer one, if he is wise enough
to think so.

CHARLES. If it be wisdom to prefer another to Harriet, then may I ever
remain a fool! [_Aside._

LOVEYET. But pray, sir, what is your business with me?

CHARLES. My business is first to know if you have any objection to my
marrying Miss Trueman, sir.

LOVEYET. What a paradoxical fellow this is! [_Aside._]--Did not you this
minute say, you did not intend to have her?

CHARLES. I did not, sir; I mean to have her if possible, and that without
disappointing your son; but I shall explain myself better, by telling you
who I am. Look at me well, sir--did you never see such a face before?

LOVEYET. I hope I am not talking to a lunatic! [_Aside._]--Yes, I saw you
this morning.

CHARLES. Did you never see me before that, sir?

LOVEYET. [_Looks at him steadfastly._] Yes,--I'm sure I have; and I'm very
much mistaken, if--yes, that reconciles all his strange conduct;--it must
be so;--it is Charles himself.

CHARLES. My father!

[_Embracing him._

LOVEYET. And are you indeed my son?

CHARLES. I hope I am, sir; and as such, I thus kneel to obtain forgiveness
for deceiving you so.

[_Kneels._

LOVEYET. Rise up my lad;--by my body, I am rejoic'd to see you;--you did
take your father in a little, to be sure; but never mind it;--I'll take you
in another way, perhaps.

CHARLES. I wish you would take me in the matrimonial way, sir;--that would
be a most agreeable take in.

LOVEYET. Well, well, we shall not disagree about that:--I am very happy
this affair clears up Harriet's conduct so well; she is a fine girl, that's
certain; and, if you love her as much as you formerly did, why--I don't
know what I may not do.

CHARLES. Oh, sir, you make me unspeakably happy! If my Love is to be the
condition of the welcome Bond, I do not care if it is e