our
brother for what he is, for what he yet may become, and for what, I
hope, he will yet be willing to become. In one respect only I am quite
a stranger to him, and in this respect I must remain so, if--and
therefore I have applied to you. Upon what footing, pray, are you with
him, you and your father?

_Fred._ We? Upon a good footing! (After a pause with affected
vivacity.) Oh, upon a very good footing!

_Soph._ I say no.

_Fred._ We are, indeed.

_Soph._ And again I say no. His silence made me suspect him. And you,
my good girl, if you were quite satisfied with his conduct, quite so,
as a sister would be with a good brother, you would, in answer to my
question, have told me all that love, gratitude, and benevolence, can
inspire in one continued strain. You, therefore, are not, at least not
particularly so, upon good terms. Whose fault can that be? I am sure
not your good father's: report contradicts that; and, I think, I have
partly convinced myself of it. Consequently, it is your brother's
fault; and that I do not like.

_Fred._ Your suppositions crowd so upon me--

_Soph._ Not my suppositions, but truth. Had you satisfactory truth to
return, you would not hesitate so much.

_Fred._ It may be easily conceived, that the difference of rank between
him and us will occasion many trifling differences, for which we blame
my brother more than we ought perhaps.

_Soph._ It may be so partly;--but then it should be no more than
trifling, and as such ought always to be removed by him who has the
advantage.

SCENE IX.

Enter GERNAU.

Gernau, startled at Frederica's dress, discovers the satin gown;--steps
forward; once more looks at Frederica, bows politely to Sophia, and is
going to withdraw.

_Fred._ Stay, if you please.--

_Gern._ I do not wish to intrude.

_Soph._ No ceremonies; our conversation is at an end. It is not the
last we shall have, I hope. In that case it has been of use, if not to
us all, most certainly to me.

Frederica is greatly embarrassed, while Gernau, unable to conceal his
chagrin, and to keep his countenance, examines the satin.

_Soph._ (observing both.) If I mistake not, Sir, you have a particular
interest that every dress should become this amiable girl;--you
certainly are of my opinion, that all the pretty things her brother has
just now sent her cannot add to her charms. (Curtesies to him and to
Frederica.) Good bye