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Sir Isaac Skinflint, an ancient and extremely wealthy man, is near to his death. His nephew, Bellair wishes to be his sole heir enabling him to marry his hearts desire, Harriet. Unfortunately two country cousins and Harriet's mother Lady Lovewealth, threaten his plans. In a scheme thought up by Shark, Bellair's manservant, and Lucy, the maid, they successfully convince Sir Isaac that his niece and nephew are far from deserving of his fortune. Unfortunately they give the old man such a shock that he dies before he has made his last will and testament. Shark continues his pranks by masquerading as the supposedly still alive Sir Isaac. The lawyers are called to the house and fraudulently Shark makes out the will leaving all to Bellair, Lucy and himself. All seems well until the real Sir Isaac awakes from his deathbed thanks to his French apothecary. When confronted with a ready made and signed will, Sir Isaac flies into a temper swearing blind to the lawyers that he has never made a will in his life!

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Author: Charles Macklin