dmiration----

AUSTIN. Dear child, the admiration is the other way. (_Embraces him.
MENTEITH shows him out._)

SCENE V

AUSTIN. Upon my word, I think the world is getting better. We were none
of us young men like that--in my time--to quote my future brother. (_He
sits down before the mirror._) Well, here ends Beau Austin. Paris, Rome,
Vienna, London--victor everywhere: and now he must leave his bones in
Tunbridge Wells. (_Looks at his leg._) Poor Dolly Musgrave! a good girl
after all, and will make me a good wife; none better. The last--of how
many?--ay, and the best! Walks like Hebe. But still, here ends Beau
Austin. Perhaps it's time. Poor Dolly--was she looking poorly? She shall
have her wish. Well, we grow older, but we grow no worse.

SCENE VI

AUSTIN, MENTEITH

AUSTIN. Menteith, I am going to be married.

MENTEITH. Well, Mr. George, but I am pleased to hear it. Miss Musgrave
is a most elegant lady.

AUSTIN. Ay, Mr. Menteith; and who told you the lady's name?

MENTEITH. Mr. George, you was always a gentleman.

AUSTIN. You mean I wasn't always? Old boy, you are in the right. This
shall be a good change for both you and me. We have lived too long like
a brace of truants: now is the time to draw about the fire. How much is
left of the old Hermitage?

MENTEITH. Hard upon thirty dozen, Mr. George, and not a bad cork in the
bin.

AUSTIN. And a mistress, Menteith, that's worthy of that wine.

MENTEITH. Mr. George, sir, she's worthy of you.

AUSTIN. Gad, I believe it. (_Shakes hands with him._)

MENTEITH (_breaking down_). Mr. George, you've been a damned good master
to me, and I've been a damned good servant to you; we've been proud of
each other from the first; but if you'll excuse my plainness, Mr.
George, I never liked you better than to-day.

AUSTIN. Cheer up, old boy, the best is yet to come. Get out the tongs,
and curl me like a bridegroom. (_Sits before dressing-glass; MENTEITH
produces curling-irons and plies them. AUSTIN sings_)--

"I'd crowns resign
To call her mine,
Sweet Lass of Richmond Hill!"

MUSICAL INDUCTION: The "Minuet" from _Don Giovanni_

ACT III

_The Stage represents MISS FOSTER'S lodging as in Act I_

SCENE I

_DOROTHY, R., at tambour; ANTHONY, C., bestriding chair; MISS FOSTER,
L.C._

ANTHONY. Yes, ma'am, I like my regiment: we are all gentlemen, from old
Fred downwards, and all of a good family. Indeed, so are all my