that, from appearances, my uncle has reason to be
offended with me; but if he could read the bottom of my heart, all his
affection for me would return, and he would never repent it.

_Dor._ Yes, I know your character, and I believe everything might be
hoped from you; but your wife--

_Dal._ My wife, sir! Ah, you do not know her. All the world is mistaken
about her, and my uncle especially. I must do her justice, and let the
truth be known. She knows nothing of the embarrassments by which I
am overwhelmed. She thought me richer than I was, and I have always
concealed my affairs from her. I love her. We were married very young. I
have never permitted her to ask for anything--to want anything. I have
always endeavoured to anticipate her wishes, and to provide for her
pleasures. In this way I have ruined myself. [_Earnestly._]

_Dor._ To please a lady--to anticipate her desires! That is no easy
task.

_Dal._ I am certain, had she known my situation, she would have been the
first to forbid the expenses I have indulged in to please her.

_Dor._ Yet she did not forbid them.

_Dal._ No, because she had no fear--

_Dor._ My poor friend!

_Dal._ [_Afflicted._] Indeed I am poor.

_Dor._ [_Still smiling._] I pity you.

_Dal._ [_With warmth._] You are making a jest of me.

_Dor._ [_Still laughing._] By no means; but--you love your wife
prodigiously?

_Dal._ Yes, I love her; I have always loved her, and shall love her as
long as I live; I know her, know all her worth, and will not suffer any
one to accuse her of faults which she has not.

_Dor._ [_Seriously._] Gently, my friend, gently; you have a little too
much of the family hastiness.

_Dal._ [_With much warmth._] Pardon me, I would not for the world offend
you; but when my wife is spoken of--

_Dor._ Well, well, let us speak of her no more.

_Dal._ But I wish you to be convinced.

_Dor._ [_Coldly._] Yes, I am convinced.

_Dal._ [_With much earnestness._] No, you are not.

_Dor._ [_A little excited._] Excuse me, I tell you I am.

_Dal._ Very well, I believe you, and am delighted that you are. Now, my
dear friend, speak to my uncle on my behalf.

_Dor._ Most willingly will I do so.

_Dal._ How much obliged to you I shall be!

_Dor._ But we must be able to give him some reasons. How have you
managed to ruin yourself in so short a time? It is only four years since
your father died, leaving you a handsome fortune, and it is said you
have spent it all.