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THE ALIENATED MANOR: A COMEDY.

notice as a friend, that you may have it now if you please.

CRAFTON.

And you do so with Charville's permission.

SIR LEVEL.

Yes—no—ay, in some measure I may say—I don't know that I can say so altogether.

CRAFTON.

Nay, my good Sir Level, you have taken so much pains in matters of taste to make every thing plain, and smooth, and orderly, be so obliging as to infuse a little of this same improving simplicity into matters of business. It does not signify to me two straws whether Mr. Charville sends me this notice directly or indirectly. The same reasonable offer which I made him for the property two years ago I am willing to make him again, and more than this I cannot and will not give.

SIR LEVEL.

Property! what a bargain-making name you give to it now! the place of your nativity, the beauty of which you so much and so justly admired. Can any thing of sylvan scenery be more charming?

CRAFTON.

And your tone is somewhat altered also, my good Sir Level: this same sylvan scenery was only practicable ground when you last spoke of