Chapter 42

Enter GERNAU and FREDERICA.

_Clar._ Jack is my son once more,--_vivat_! huzza! husband and wife! (steps between them,) son and daughter! (Embraces him.)

_Fred._ What?

_Gern._ How?

_Clar._ More of it another time.

_P. Coun._ I will resign.

_Clar._ Look you here, my sweet girl! he was not calculated for it, no more than a true genuine christian Privy Counsellor is calculated for a carpenter. He has had some learning indeed; but then all that solid by-work, such as is requisite for a Privy Counsellor, of that he never was possessed; and so sit down to work. I must work too; we will scrape plenty of money together, without wronging any one. Daughter-in-law, Frederica, and I, will nurse him as the best soul we know. Now pray give the girl a kiss, that I may believe in the relationship.--(Sophia kisses her.)--And Jack too, that I may be quite happy!--(Sophia gives him a kiss.)--And so God bless you in your pursuits!

_Soph._ (to the Privy Counsellor.) My father will be your father; and, if ever he could forget it, spare him, and treat him with filial affection.

_P. Coun._ I promise it. I shall apply once more for his consent, which I once obtained.

_Fred._ Before you resign?

_Clar._ No, that were a cheat.--But, dear Jack, all,--how shall I call it? (half audible,) all the earnings of unjust Privy Counsellors,--return them to whom they may belong, then you can work with heart-felt satisfaction.