Page:Dramas 2.pdf/172

This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.

160

THE STRIPLING: A TRAGEDY.

conceal nothing from thee. (Going to the door to see if it he closely shut.)

YOUNG ARDEN.

Good heaven! what is it you would tell me?

ARDEN.

The fatal progress of a ruined unfortunate man.

YOUNG ARDEN.

I know you are unfortunate.

ARDEN.

Hold thy peace, and hear me out.—Naturally thoughtless and profuse, and fond of the pitiful distinction that expense bestows, I dissipated an easy fortune which ought to have been thine, Edmond.

YOUNG ARDEN.

Nay, nay! take no thought of that: let it go. It is but a feather in the air; and may light where it lists.

ARDEN.

Having squandered it, as I said, that false friend Robinair——

YOUNG ARDEN.

Is he false?

ARDEN.

False, base, and treacherous.