SCENE A room in Sterling's house.

MA'am! Miss Fanny! Ma'am!

What's the matter! Betty!

Oh la! Ma'am! as sure as I'm alive, here is your husband—

Hush! my dear Betty! if any body in the house should hear you, I am ruined.

Mercy on me! it has frighted me to such a degree, that my heart is come up to my mouth.—But as I was a saying, Ma'am, here's that dear, sweet—

Have a care! Betty.

Lord! I'm bewitched, I think.—But as I was a saying, Ma'am, here's Mr. Lovewell just come from London.

Indeed!

Yes, indeed, and indeed, Ma'am, he is. I saw him crossing the court-yard in his boots.

I am glad to hear it.—But pray now, my dear Betty, be cautious. Don't mention that word [Page 2] again, on any account. You know, we have agreed never to drop any expressions of that sort for fear of an accident.

Dear Ma'am, you may depend upon me. There is not a more trustier creature on the face of the earth, than I am. Though I say it, I am as se­cret as the grave—and if it's never told, till I tell it, it may remain untold till doom's-day for Betty.

I know you are faithful—but in our circum­stances we cannot be too careful.

Very true, Ma'am!—and yet I vow and protest, there's more plague than pleasure with a se­cret; especially if a body mayn't mention it to four or five of one's particular acquaintance.

Do but keep this secret a little while longer, and then, I hope you may mention it to any body.—Mr. Lovewell will acquaint the family with the nature of our situation as soon as possible.

The sooner, the better, I believe: for if he does not tell it, there's a little tell-tale, I know of, will come and tell it for him.

Fie, Betty!

Ah! you may well blush.—But you're not so sick, and so pale, and so wan, and so many qualms—

Have done! I shall be quite angry with you.

Angry!—Bless the dear puppet! I am sure I shall love it, as much as if it was my own.—I meant no harm, heaven knows.

Well—say no more of this—It makes me uneasy—All I have to ask of you, is to be faithful and secret, and not to reveal this matter, till we disclose it to the family ourselves.

Me reveal it!—if I say a word, I wish I may be burned. I wou'd not do you any harm for the world—And as for Mr. Lovewell, I am sure I have loved the dear gentleman ever since he got a tide­waiter's place for my brother—But let me tell you both, you must leave off your soft looks to each [Page 3] other, and your whispers, and your glances, and your always sitting next to one another at dinner, and your long walks together in the evening—For my part, if I had not been in the secret, I shou'd have known you were a pair of loviers at least, if not man and wife, as—

See there now! again. Pray be careful.

Well—well—nobody hears me.—Man and wife—I'll say so no more—what I tell you is very true for all that—

William!

Hark! I hear your husband—

What!

I say, here comes Mr. Lovewell—Mind the caution I give you—I'll be whipped now, if you are not the first person he sees or speaks to in the family—However, if you chuse it, it's nothing at all to me—as you sow, you must reap—as you brew, so you must bake.—I'll e'en slip down the back-stairs, and leave you together.

I see, I see I shall never have a moment's ease till our marriage is made publick. New distresses croud in upon me every day. The sollicitude of my mind sinks my spirits, preys upon my health, and destroys every comfort of my life. It shall be revealed, let what will be the consequence.

My love!—How's this?—In tears?—Indeed this is too much. You promised me to sup­port your spirits, and to wait the determination of our fortune with patience.—For my sake, for your own, be comforted! Why will you study to add to our uneasiness and perplexity?

Oh, Mr. Lovewell! the indelicacy of a secret marriage grows every day more and more shock­ing to me. I walk about the house like a guilty wretch: I imagine myself the object of the suspicion [Page 4] of the whole family; and am under the perpetual terrors of a shameful detection.

Indeed, indeed, you are to blame. The amiable delicacy of your temper, and your quick sensibility, only serve to make you unhappy.—To clear up this affair properly to Mr. Sterling, is the continual employment of my thoughts. Every thing now is in a fair train. It begins to grow ripe for a discovery; and I have no doubt of its concluding to the satisfaction of ourselves, of your father, and the whole family.

End how it will, I am resolved it shall end soon—very soon.—I wou'd not live another week in this agony of mind to be mistress of the universe.

Do not be too violent neither. Do not let us disturb the joy of your sister's marriage with the tumult this matter may occasion!—I have brought letters from Lord Ogleby and Sir John Melvil to Mr. Sterling.—They will be here this evening—and, I dare say, within this hour.

I am sorry for it.

Why so?

No matter—Only let us disclose our marri­age immediately!

As soon as possible.

But directly.

In a few days, you may depend on it.

To-night—or to-morrow morning.

That, I fear, will be impracticable.

Nay, but you must.

Must! why?

Indeed, you must.—I have the most alarm­ing reasons for it.

Alarming indeed! for they alarm me, even before I am acquainted with them—What are they?

I cannot tell you.

Not tell me?

Not at present. When all is settled, you shall be acquainted with every thing.

[Page 5]

Sorry they are coming!—Must be dis­covered!—What can this mean!—Is it possible you can have any reasons that need be concealed from me?

Do not disturb yourself with conjectures—but rest assured, that though you are unable to di­vine the cause, the consequence of a discovery, be it what it will, cannot be attended with half the miseries of the present interval.

You put me upon the rack.—I wou'd do any thing to make you easy.—But you know your father's temper.—Money (you will excuse my frank­ness) is the spring of all his actions, which nothing but the idea of acquiring nobility or magnificence can ever make him forego—and these he thinks his money will purchase.—You know too your aunt's, Mrs. Heidelberg's, notions of the splendor of high life, her contempt for every thing that does not relish of what she calls Quality, and that from the vast fortune in her hands, by her late husband, she absolutely governs Mr. Sterling and the whole family: now, if they should come to the knowledge of this affair too abruptly, they might, perhaps, be incensed beyond all hopes of reconciliation.

But if they are made acquainted with it otherwise than by ourselves, it will be ten times worse: and a discovery grows every day more pro­bable. The whole family have long suspected our affection. We are also in the power of a foolish maid-servant; and if we may even depend on her fidelity, we cannot answer for her discretion.—Dis­cover it therefore immediately, lest some accident should bring it to light, and involve us in additional disgrace.

Well—well—I meant to discover it soon, but would not do it too precipitately.—I have more than once sounded Mr. Sterling about it, and will attempt him more seriously the next opportunity. But my principal hopes are these.—My relationship [Page 6] to Lord Ogleby, and his having placed me with your father, have been, you know, the first links in the chain of this connection between the two families; in consequence of which, I am at present in high favour with all parties: while they all remain thus well-affected to me, I propose to lay our case before the old Lord; and if I can prevail on him to me­diate in this affair, I make no doubt but he will be able to appease your father; and, being a lord and a man of quality, I am sure he may bring Mrs. Heidelberg into good-humour at any time.—Let me beg you, therefore, to have but a little patience, as, you see, we are upon the very eve of a discovery, that must probably be to our advantage.

Manage it your own way. I am per­suaded.

But in the mean time make yourself easy.

As easy as I can, I will.—We had better not remain together any longer at present.—Think of this business, and let me know how you proceed.

Depend on my care! But, pray, be chearful.

I will.

Hey-day! who have we got here?

Mr. Lovewell, Sir!

And where are you going, hussey!

To my sister's chamber, Sir!

Ah, Lovewell! What! always getting my foolish girl yonder into a corner!—Well—well—let us but once see her elder sister fast-married to Sir John Melvil, we'll soon provide a good husband for Fanny, I warrant you.

Wou'd to heaven, Sir, you would provide her one of my recommendation!

Yourself? eh, Lovewell!

With your pleasure, Sir!

Mighty well!

[Page 7]

And I flatter myself, that such a proposal would not be very disagreeable to Miss Fanny.

Better and better!

And if I could but obtain your consent, Sir—

What! you marry Fanny!—no—no—that will never do, Lovewell!—You're a good boy, to be sure—I have a great value for you—but can't think of you for a son-in-law.—There's no Stuff in the case, no money, Lovewell!

My pretensions to fortune, indeed, are but moderate: but though not equal to splendor, sufficient to keep us above distress.—Add to which, that I hope by diligence to increase it—and have love, honour—

But not the Stuff, Lovewell!—Add one little round o to the sum total of your fortune, and that will be the finest thing you can say to me.—You know I've a regard for you—would do any thing to serve you—any thing on the footing of friendship—but—

If you think me worthy of your friend­ship, Sir, be assured, that there is no instance in which I should rate your friendship so highly.

Psha! psha! that's another thing, you know.—Where money or interest is concerned, friendship is quite out of the question.

But where the happiness of a daughter is at stake, you wou'd not scruple, sure, to sacrifice a little to her inclinations.

Inclinations! why, you wou'd not persuade me that the girl is in love with you—eh, Lovewell!

I cannot absolutely answer for Miss Fanny, Sir; but am sure that the chief happiness or misery of my life depends entirely upon her.

Why, indeed now if your kinsman, Lord Ogleby, would come down handsomely for you—but that's impossible—No, no—'twill never do—I [Page 8] must hear no more of this—Come, Lovewell, pro­mise me that I shall hear no more of this.

I am afraid, Sir, I shou'd not be able to keep my word with you, if I did promise you.

Why you wou'd not offer to marry her without my consent? wou'd you, Lovewell!

Marry her, Sir!

Ay, marry her, Sir!—I know very well that a warm speech or two from such a dangerous young spark, as you are, will go much farther towards per­suading a silly girl to do what she has more than a month's mind to do, than twenty grave lectures from fathers or mothers, or uncles or aunts, to pre­vent her.—But you wou'd not, sure, be such a base fellow, such a treacherous young rogue, as to seduce my daughter's affections, and destroy the peace of my family in that manner.—I must insist on it, that you give me your word not to marry her without my consent.

Sir—I—I—as to that—I—I—I beg, Sir—Pray, Sir, excuse me on this subject at present.

Promise then, that you will carry this matter no further without my approbation.

You may depend on it, Sir, that it shall go no further.

Well—well—that's enough—I'll take care of the rest, I warrant you.—Come, come, let's have done with this nonsense!—What's doing in town?—Any news upon 'Change?

Nothing material.

Have you seen the currants, the soap, and Madeira, safe in the warehouses? Have you com­pared the goods with the invoice and bills of lading, and are they all right?

They are, Sir!

And how are stocks?

Fell one and an half this morning.

[Page 9]

Well—well—some good news from America, and they'll be up again.—But how are Lord Ogleby and Sir John Melvil? When are we to expect them?

Very soon, Sir! I came on purpose to bring you their commands. Here are letters from both of them.

Let me see—let me see—'Slife, how his Lordship's letter is perfumed!—It takes my breath away.—

And French paper too! with a fine border of flowers and flourishes—and a slippery gloss on it that dazzles one's eyes.— My dear Mr. Sterling.—

—Mercy on me! His Lorship writes a worse hand than a boy at his exercise—But how's this?—Eh!— with you to-night—

— Lawyers to-morrow morning—To-night!—that's sudden indeed.—Where's my sister Heidelberg? she shou'd know of this immediately.—Here John! Harry! Thomas!

Hark ye, Lovewell!

Sir!

Mind now, how I'll entertain his Lordship and Sir John—We'll shew your fellows at the other end of the town how we live in the city—They shall eat gold—and drink gold—and lie in gold—Here cook! butler!

What signifies your birth and education, and titles? Money, money, that's the stuff that makes the great man in this country.

Very true, Sir!

True, Sir?—Why then have done with your nonsense of love and matrimony. You're not rich enough to think of a wife yet. A man of business shou'd mind nothing but his business.—Where are these fellows? John! Thomas!

—Get an estate, and a wife will follow of course.—Ah! Lovewell! an English merchant is the most respectable character in the universe. 'Slife, man, a rich English merchant may make himself a [Page 10] match for the daughter of a Nabob.—Where are all my rascals? Here, William!

So!—As I suspected.—Quite averse to the match, and likely to receive the news of it with great dis­pleasure.—What's best to be done?—Let me see!—Suppose I get Sir John Melvil to interest himself in this affair. He may mention it to Lord Ogleby with a better grace than I can, and more probably prevail on him to interfere in it. I can open my mind also more freely to Sir John. He told me, when I left him in town, that he had something of conse­quence to communicate, and that I could be of use to him. I am glad of it: for the confidence he reposes in me, and the service I may do him, will ensure me his good offices.—Poor Fanny! It hurts me to see her so uneasy, and her making a mystery of the cause adds to my anxiety.—Something must be done upon her account; for at all events, her solli­citude shall be removed.

Scene changes to another chamber.

Oh, my dear sister, say no more! This is downright hypocrisy.—You shall never convince me that you don't envy me beyond measure.—Well, after all it is extremely natural—It is impossible to be angry with you.

Indeed, sister, you have no cause.

And you really pretend not to envy me?

Not in the least.

And you don't in the least wish that you was just in my situation?

No, indeed, I don't. Why should I?

Why should you?—What! on the brink of marriage, fortune, title—But I had forgot [Page 11] —There's that dear sweet creature Mr. Lovewell in the case.—You would not break your faith with your true love now for the world, I warrant you.

Mr. Lovewell!—always Mr. Lovewell!—Lord, what signifies Mr. Lovewell, Sister?

Pretty peevish soul!—Oh, my dear, grave, romantick sister!—a perfect philosopher in petticoats!—Love and a cottage!—Eh, Fanny!—Ah, give me indifference and a coach and six!

And why not the coach and six without the indifference?—But, pray, when is this happy marriage of your's to be celebrated?—I long to give you joy.

In a day or two—I can't tell exactly.—Oh, my dear sister!—I must mortify her a little.

—I know you have a pretty taste. Pray, give me your opinion of my jewels.—How d'ye like the stile of this esclavage?

Extremely handsome indeed, and well fancied.

What d'ye think of these bracelets? I shall have a miniature of my father, set round with diamonds, to one, and Sir John's to the other.—And this pair of ear-rings! set transparent!—here, the tops, you see, will take off to wear in a morn­ing, or in an undress—how d'ye like them?

Very much, I assure you—Bless me; sister, you have a prodigious quantity of jewels—you'll be the very Queen of Diamonds.

Ha! ha! ha! very well, my dear!—I shall be as fine as a little queen indeed.—I have a bouquet to come home to-morrow—made up of diamonds, and rubies, and emeralds, and topazes, and amethysts—jewels of all colours, green, red, blue, yellow, intermixt—the prettiest thing you ever saw in your life!—The jeweller says I shall set out with as many diamonds as any body in town, except [Page 12] Lady Brilliant, and Polly What d'ye-call-it, Lord Squander's kept mistress.

But what are your wedding-cloaths, sister?

Oh, white and silver to be sure, you know.—I bought them at Sir Joseph Lutestring's, and sat above an hour in the parlour behind the shop, consulting Lady Lutestring about gold and silver stuffs, on purpose to mortify her.

Fie, sister! how could you be so abomina­bly provoking?

Oh, I have no patience with the pride of your city-knights' ladies.—Did you never observe the airs of Lady Lutestring drest in the richest brocade out of her husband's shop, playing crown­whist at Haberdasher's-Hall?—While the civil smirk­ing Sir Joseph, with a smug wig trimmed round his broad face as close as a new-cut yew-hedge, and his shoes so black that they shine again, stands all day in his shop, fastened to his counter like a bad shilling?

Indeed, indeed, sister, this is too much—If you talk at this rate, you will be absolutely a bye-word in the city—You must never venture on the inside of Temple-Bar again.

Never do I desire it—never, my dear Fanny, I promise you.—Oh, how I long to be trans­ported to the dear regions of Grosvenor-Square—far—far from the dull districts of Aldersgate, Cheap, Candlewick, and Farringdon Without and Within!—My heart goes pit-a-pat at the very idea of being introduced at court!—gilt chariot!—pyeballed hor­ses!—laced liveries!—and then the whispers buzzing round the circle—"Who is that young Lady! Who is she?"—"Lady Melvil, Ma'am!"—Lady Melvil! my ears tingle at the sound.—And then at dinner, instead of my farther perpetually asking—"Any news upon 'Change?"—to cry—well, Sir John! any thing new from Arthur's?—or—to say to some other woman of quality, was your Ladyship at the Dut­chess [Page 13] of Rubber's last night?—Did you call in at Lady Thunder's? In the immensity of croud I swear I did not see you—scarce a soul at the opera last Satur­day—shall I see you at Carlisle-House next Thursday?—Oh, the dear Beau-Monde! I was born to move in the sphere of the great world.

And so, in the midst of all this happiness, you have no compassion for me—no pity for us poor mortals in common life.

You?—You're above pity.—You would not change conditions with me—you're over head and ears in love, you know.—Nay, for that matter, if Mr. Lovewell and you c [...]me together, as I doubt not you will, you will live very com­fortably, I dare say.—He will mind his business—you'll employ yourself in the delightful care of your family—and once in a season perhaps you'll sit toge­ther in a front-box at a benefit play, as we used to do at our dancing-master's, you know—and perhaps I may meet you in the summer with some other citizens at Tunbridge.—For my part, I shall always entertain a proper regard for my relations.—You sha'n't want my countenance, I assure you.

Oh, you're too kind, sister!

Here this evening!—I vow and pertest we shall scarce have time to provide for them—Oh, my dear!

I am glad to see you're not quite in dish-abille. Lord Ogleby and Sir John Melvil will be here to-night.

To-night, Ma'am?

Yes, my dear, to-night.—Do, put on a smarter cap, and change those ordinary ruffles!—Lord, I have such a deal to do, I shall scarce have time to slip on my Italian lutestring.—Where is this dawdle of a housekeeper?—

Oh, here, Trusty! do you know that people of qua­laty are expected here this evening?

[Page 14]

Yes, Ma'am.

Well—Do you be sure now that every thing is done in the most genteelest manner—and to the honour of the fammaly.

Yes, Ma'am.

Well—but mind what I say to you.

Yes, Ma'am.

His Lordship is to lie in the chintz bedchamber—d'ye hear?—And Sir John in the blue damask room—His Lordship's valet-de-shamb in the opposite—

But Mr. Lovewell is come down—and you know that's his room, Ma'am.

Well—well—Mr. Lovewell may make shift—or get a bed at the George—But hark ye, Trusty!

Ma'am!

Get the great dining-room in order as soon as possible. Unpaper the curtains, take the civers off the couch and the chairs, and put the china figures on the mantle-piece immediately.

Yes, Ma'am.

Be gone then! fly, this instant!—Where's my brother Sterling—

Talking to the butler, Ma'am.

Very well.

Miss Fanny!—I pertest I did not see you before—Lord, child, what's the matter with you?

With me? Nothing, Ma'am.

Bless me! Why your face is as pale, and black, and yellow—of fifty colours, I pertest.—And then you have drest yourself as loose and as big—I declare there is not such a thing to be seen now, as a young woman with a fine waist—You all make your­selves as round as Mrs. Deputy Barter. Go, child!—You know the qualaty will be here by and by—Go, and make yourself a little more fit to be seen.

She is gone away in tears—absolutely cry­ing, I vow and pertest.—This ridicalous Love! we [Page 15] must put a stop to it. It makes a perfect nataral of the girl.

Poor soul! she can't help it.

Well, my dear! Now I shall have an opportunity of convincing you of the absurdity of what you was telling me concerning Sir John Mel­vil's behaviour to you.

Oh, it gives me no manner of uneasi­ness. But, indeed, Ma'am, I cannot be persuaded but that Sir John is an extremely cold lover. Such distant civility, grave looks, and lukewarm professions of esteem for me and the whole family! I have heard of flames and darts, but Sir John's is a passion of mere ice and snow.

Oh, fie, my dear! I am perfectly ashamed of you. That's so like the notions of your poor sister! What you complain of as coldness and indiffarence, is nothing but the extreme gentilaty of his address, an exact pictur of the manners of qua­laty.

Oh, he is the very mirror of complai­sance! full of formal bows and set speeches!—I de­clare, if there was any violent passion on my side, I should be quite jealous of him.

I say jealus indeed—Jealus of who, pray?

My sister Fanny. She seems a much greater favourite than I am, and he pays her infinite­ly more attention, I assure you.

Lord! d'ye think a man of fashion, as he is, can't distinguish between the genteel and the wulgar part of the famaly?—Between you and your sister, for instance—or me and my brother?—Be ad­vised by me, child! It is all politeness and good-breeding.—Nobody knows the qualaty better than I do.

In my mind the old lord, his uncle, has ten times more gallantry about him than Sir John. He is full of attentions to the ladies, and [Page 16] smiles, and grins, and leers, and ogles, and fills every wrinkle in his old wizen face with comical expressions of tenderness. I think he wou'd make an admirable sweetheart.

No fish?—Why the pond was dragged but yesterday morning—There's carp and tench in the boat.—Pox on't, if that dog Lovewell had any thought, he wou'd have brought down a turbot, or some of the land-carriage mackarel.

Lord, brother, I am afraid his lord­ship and Sir John will not arrive while it's light.

I warrant you.—But, pray, sister Heidelberg, let the turtle be drest to-morrow, and some venison—and let the gardener cut some pine-apples—and get out some ice.—I'll answer for wine, I warrant you—I'll give them such a glass of Champagne as they ne­ver drank in their lives—no, not at a Duke's table.

Pray now, brother, mind how you behave. I am always in a fright about you with people of qualaty. Take care that you don't fall asleep directly after supper, as you commonly do. Take a good deal of snuff; and that will keep you awake.—And don't burst out with your horrible loud horse-laughs. It is monstrous wulgar.

Never fear, sister!—Who have we here?

It is Mons. Cantoon, the Swish gentle­man, that lives with his Lordship, I vow and pertest.

Ah, Mounseer! your servant.—I am very glad to see you, Mounseer.

Mosh oblige to Mons. Sterling.—Ma'am, I am yours—Matemoiselle, I am yours.

Your humble servant, Mr. Cantoon!

I kiss your hands, Matam!

Well, Mounseer!—and what news of your good family!—when are we to see his Lordship and Sir John?

[Page 17]

Mons. Sterling! Milor Ogelby and Sir Jean Melvile will be here in one quarter-hour.

I am glad to hear it.

O, I am perdigious glad to hear it. Being so late I was afeard of some accident.—Will you please to have any thing, Mr. Cantoon, after your journey?

No, I tank you, Ma'am.

Shall I go and shew you the apart­ments, Sir?

You do me great honeur, Ma'am.

Come then!—come, my dear!

Pox on't, it's almost dark—It will be too late to go round the garden this evening.—However, I will carry them to take a peep at my fine canal at least, I am determined.

SCENE an anti-chamber to Lord Ogleby's bed-chamber—Table with chocolate, and small case for medicines.

YOU shall stay, my dear, I insist upon it.

Nay, pray, Sir, don't be so positive; I can't stay indeed.

You shall take one cup to our better ac­quaintance.

I seldom drinks chocolate; and if I did, one has no satisfaction, with such apprehensions about one—if my Lord should wake, or the Swish gentle­man should see one, or Madam Heidelberg should [Page 18] know of it, I should be frighted to death—besides I have had my tea already this morning—I'm sure I hear my Lord.

No, no, Madam, don't flutter yourself—the moment my Lord wakes, he rings his bell, which I answer sooner or later, as it suits my conve­nience.

But should he come upon us without ringing—

I'll forgive him if he does—This key

locks him up till I please to let him out.

Law, Sir! that's potecary's-stuff.

It is so—but without this he can no more get out of bed—than he can read without spectacles—

What with qualms, age, rheumatism, and a few surfeits in his youth, he must have a great deal of brushing, oyling, screwing, and winding up to set him a going for the day.

That's prodigious indeed—

My Lord seems quite in a decay.

Yes, he's quite a spectacle,

a mere corpse, till he is reviv'd and refesh'd from our little magazine here—When the restorative pills, and cor­dial waters warm his stomach, and get into his head, vanity frisks in his heart, and then he sets up for the lover, the rake, and the fine gentleman.

Poor gentleman!—but should the Swish gentleman come upon us.

Why then the English gentleman would be very angry—No foreigner must break in upon my privacy.

But I can assure you Monsieur Canton is otherwise employ'd—He is oblig'd to skim the cream of half a score news-papers for my Lord's breakfast—ha, ha, ha. Pray, Madam, drink your cup peaceably—My Lord's chocolate is remarkably good, he won't touch a drop but what comes from Italy.

[Page 19]

'Tis very fine indeed!—

and charmingly perfum'd—it smells for all the world like our young ladies dressing-boxes.

You have an excellent taste, Madam, and I must beg of you to accept of a few cakes for your own drinking,

and in return, I desire nothing but to taste the per­fume of your lips—

—A small return of favours, Madam, will make, I hope, this country and retirement agreeable to both.

Your young ladies are fine girls, faith:

tho' upon my soul, I am quite of my old lord's mind about them; and were I inclin'd to ma­trimony, I should take the youngest.

Miss Fanny's the most affablest and the most best nater'd creter!

And the eldest a little haughty or so—

More haughtier and prouder than Saturn himself—but this I say quite confidential to you, for one would not hurt a young lady's marriage, you know.

By no means, but you can't hurt it with us—we don't consider tempers—we want money, Mrs. Nancy—give us enough of that, we'll abate you a great deal in other particulars—ha, ha, ha.

Bless me, here's somebody—

—O! 'tis my Lord—Well, your servant, Mr. Brush—I'll clean the cups in the next room.

Do so—but never mind the bell—I shan't go this half hour. Will you drink tea with me in the afternoon?

Not for the world, Mr. Brush—I'll be here to set all things to rights—but I must not drink tea indeed—and so your servant.

It is impossible to stupify one's self in the country for a week without some little flirting with the Abigails: this is much the handsomest wench in the house, except the old citizen's youngest [Page 20] daughter, and I have not time enough to lay a plan for Her—

And now I'll go to my Lord, for I have nothing else to do.

Monsieur Brush—Maistre Brush—My Lor stirra yet?

He has just rung his bell—I am going to him.

Depechez vous donc.

I wish de Deviel had all dese papiers—I forget, as fast as I read—De Advertise put out of my head de Gazette, de Gazette de Chronique, and so dey all go l'un apres l'autre—I must get some nouvelle for my Lor, or he'll be en­rag [...]e contre moi—Voyons!—

Here is noting but Anti-Sejanus & advertise—

Vat you vant, child?—

Only the chocolate things, Sir.

O ver well—dat is good girl—and ver prit too!

Canton, he, he—

—Canton!

I come, my Lor—vat shall I do?—I have no news—He vil make great tintamarre!—

Canton, I say, Canton! Where are you?—

Here, my Lor; I ask pardon, my Lor, I have not finish de papiers—

Dem your pardon, and your papers—I want you here, Canton.

Den I run, dat is all—

You Swiss are the most unaccountable mixture—you have the language and the imperti­nence of the French, with the laziness of Dutchmen.

[Page 21]

'Tis very true, my Lor—I can't help—

O Diavolo!

You are not in pain, I hope, my Lor.

Indeed but I am, my Lor—That vulgar fellow Sterling, with his city politeness, would force me down his slope last night to see a clay-colour'd ditch, which he calls a canal; and what with the dew, and the east-wind, my hips and shoulders are abso­lutely screw'd to my body.

A littel veritable eau d'arquibusade vil set all to right again—

Where are the palsy-drops, Brush?

Here, my Lord!

Quelle nouvelle avez vous, Canton?

A great deal of papier, but no news at all.

What! nothing at all, you stupid fellow?

Yes, my Lor, I have littel advertise here vil give you more plaisir den all de lyes about noting at all. La voila!

Come read it, Canton, with good em­phasis, and good discretion.

I vil, my Lor—

Dere is no question, but dat de Cosmetique Royale vil utterlie take away all heats, pimps, frecks & oder eruptions of de skin, and likewise de wrinque of old age, &c. &c.—A great deal more, my Lor—be sure to ask for de Cosmetique Royale, signed by de Docteur own hand—Dere is more raison for dis caution dan good men vil tink—Eh bien, my Lor!

Eh bien, Canton!—Will you purchase any?

For you, my Lor?

For me, you old puppy! for what?

My Lor?

Do I want cosmeticks?

My Lor!

Look in my face—come, be sincere—Does it want the assistance of art?

[Page 22]

En veritè, non.—'Tis very smoose and brillian—but I tote dat you might take a little by way of prevention.

You thought like an old fool, Monsieur, as you generally do—The surfeit-water, Brush!

What do you think, Brush, of this family, we are going to be connected with?—Eh!

Very well to marry in, my Lord; but it would not do to live with.

You are right, Brush—There is no wash­ing the Blackamoor white—Mr. Sterling will never get rid of Black-Fryars, always taste of the Borachio—and the poor woman his sister is so busy and so notable, to make one welcome, that I have not yet got over her first reception; it almost amounted to suffocation! I think the daughters are tolerable—Where's my cephalick snuff?

Dey tink so of you, my Lor, for dey look at noting else, ma foi.

Did they?—Why, I think they did a lit­tle—Where's my glass?

The youngest is delectable.

O, ouy, my Lor—very delect, inteed; she made doux yeux at you, my Lor.

She was particular—the eldest, my ne­phew's lady, will be a most valuable wife; she has all the vulgar spirits of her father, and aunt, happily blended with the termagant qualities of her deceased mother.—Some pepper-mint water, Brush!—How happy is it, Cant, for young ladies in general, that people of quality overlook every thing in a marriage contract but their fortune.

C'est bien heureux, et commode aussi.

Brush, give me that pamphlet by my bed-side—

Canton, do you wait in the anti-chamber, and let nobody interrupt me till I eall you.

Mush goot may do your Lordship!

[Page 23]

And now, Brush, leave me a little to my studies.

What can I possibly do among these women here, with this confounded rheumatism? It is a most grievous enemy to gallantry and address—

—He!—Courage, my Lor! by heav'ns, I'm another creature—

It will do, faith—Bravo, my Lor! these girls have absolutely inspir'd me—If they are for a game of romps—Me voila pret!

O—that's an ugly twinge—but it's gone—I have rather too much of the lily this morning in my complexion; a faint tincture of the rose will give a delicate spirit to my eyes for the day.

Who's there! I won't be disturb'd.

My Lor, my Lor, here is Mon­sieur Sterling to pay his devoir to you this morn in your chambre.

What a fellow!—

I am extreamly honour'd by Mr. Sterling—Why don't you see him in, Monsieur?—I wish he was at the bottom of his stinking canal—

Oh, my dear Mr. Sterling, you do me a great deal of honour.

I hope, my Lord, that your Lordship slept well in the night—I believe there are no better beds in Europe than I have—I spare no pains to get 'em, nor money to buy 'em—His Majesty, God bless him, don't sleep upon a better out of his palace; and if I had said in too, I hope no treason, my Lord.

Your beds are like every thing else about you, incomparable!—They not only make one rest well, but give one spirits, Mr. Sterling.

What say you then, my Lord, to another walk in the garden? You must see my water by day­light, and my walks, and my slopes, and my clumps, [Page 24] and my bridge, and my flow'ring trees, and my bed of Dutch tulips—Matters look'd but dim last night, my Lord; I feel the dew in my great toe—but I would put on a cut shoe that I might be able to walk you about—I may be laid up to-morrow.

I pray heav'n you may!

What say you, my Lord!

I was saying, Sir, that I was in hopes of seeing the young ladies at breakfast: Mr. Sterling, they are, in my mind, the finest tulips in this part of the world—he, he.

Bravissimo, my Lor!—ha, ha, he.

They shall meet your Lordship in the garden—we won't lose our walk for them; I'll take you a little round before breakfast, and a larger before dinner, and in the evening you shall go to the Grand Tower, as I call it, ha, ha, ha.

Not a foot, I hope, Mr. Sterling—consi­der your gout, my good friend—You'll certainly be laid by the heels for your politeness—he, he, he.

Ha, ha, ha—'tis admirable! en veritè!—

If my young man

here, would but laugh at my jokes, which he ought to do, as Mounseer does at yours, my Lord, we should be all life and mirth.

What say you, Cant, will you take my kinsman under your tuition? you have certainly the most companionable laugh I ever met with, and never out of tune.

But when your Lorship is out of spirits.

Well said, Cant!—but here comes my nephew, to play his part.

Well, Sir John, what news from the island of Love? have you been sighing and serenading this morning?

I am glad to see your Lordship in such spirits this morning.

[Page 25]

I'm sorry to see you so dull, Sir—What poor things, Mr. Sterling, these very young fellows are! they make love with faces, as if they were bu­rying the dead—though, indeed, a marriage some­times may be properly called a burying of the living—eh, Mr. Sterling?—

Not if they have enough to live upon, my Lord—Ha, ha, ha.

Dat is all Monsieur Sterling tink of.

Prithee, Lovewell, come with me into the garden; I have something of consequence for you, and I must communicate it directly.

We'll go together—

If your Lordship and Mr. Sterling please, we'll pre­pare the ladies to attend you in the garden.

My girls are always ready, I make 'em rise soon, and to-bed early; their husbands shall have 'em with good constitutions, and good fortunes, if they have nothing else, my Lord.

Fine things, Mr. Sterling!

Fine things, indeed, my Lord!—Ah, my Lord, had not you run off your speed in your youth, you had not been so crippled in your age, my Lord.

Very pleasant, I protest—He, he, he.—

Here's Mounseer now, I suppose, is pretty near your Lordship's standing; but having little to eat, and little to spend, in his own country, he'll wear three of your Lordship out—eating and drink­ing kills us all.

Very pleasant, I protest—What a vulgar dog!

My Lor so old as me!—He is shicken to me—and look like a boy to pauvre me.

Ha, ha, ha. Well said, Mounseer—keep to that, and you'll live in any country of the world—Ha, ha, ha.—But, my Lord, I will wait upon you into the garden: we have but a little time to break­fast [Page 26] —I'll go for my hat and cane, fetch a little walk with you, my Lord, and then for the hot rolls and butter!

I shall attend you with pleasure—Hot rolls and butter, in July!—I sweat with the thoughts of it—What a strange beast it is!

C'est un barbare.

He is a vulgar dog, and if there was not so much money in the family, which I can't do with­out, I would leave him and his hot rolls and butter directly—Come along, Monsieur!

Scene changes to the Garden.

In my room this morning? Impossible.

Before five this morning, I promise you.

On what occasion?

I was so anxious to disclose my mind to you, that I could not sleep in my bed—But I found that you could not sleep neither—The bird was flown, and the nest long since cold.—Where was you, Lovewell?

Pooh! prithee! ridiculous!

Come now! which was it? Miss Ster­ling's maid? a pretty little rogue!—or Miss Fanny's Abigail? a sweet soul too!—or—

Nay, nay, leave trifling, and tell me your business.

Well, but where was you, Lovewell?

Walking—writing—what signifies where I was?

Walking! yes, I dare say. It rained as hard as it could pour. Sweet refreshing showers to walk in! No, no, Lovewell.—Now would I give twenty pounds to know which of the maids—

But your business! your business, Sir John!

[Page 27]

Let me a little into the secrets of the family.

Psha!

Poor Lovewell! he can't bear it, I see. She charged you not to kiss and tell.—Eh, Lovewell! However, though you will not honour me with your confidence, I'll venture to trust you with mine.—What d'ye think of Miss Sterling?

What do I think of Miss Sterling?

Ay; what d'ye think of her?

An odd question!—but I think her a smart, lively girl, full of mirth and sprightliness.

All mischief and malice, I doubt.

How?

But her person—what d'ye think of that?

Pretty and agreeable.

A little grisette thing.

What is the meaning of all this?

I'll tell you. You must know, Love­well, that notwithstanding all appearances—

We are interrupted—When they are gone, I'll explain.

Great improvements indeed, Mr. Ster­ling! wonderful improvements! The four seasons in lead, the flying Mercury, and the basin with Neptune in the middle, are all in the very extreme of fine taste. You have as many rich figures as the man at Hyde-Park Corner.

The chief pleasure of a country house is to make improvements, you know, my Lord. I spare no expence, not I.—This is quite another-guess sort of a place than it was when I first took it, my Lord. We were surrounded with trees. I cut down above fifty to make the lawn before the house, and let in the wind and the sun—smack-smooth—as you see.—Then I made a green-house out of the old laundry, [Page 28] and turned the brew house into a pinery.—The high octagon summer-house, you see yonder, is raised on the mast of a ship, given me by an East-India cap­tain, who has turned many a thousand of my money. It commands the whole road. All the coaches and chariots, and chaises, pass and repass under your eye. I'll mount you up there in the afternoon, my Lord. 'Tis the pleasantest place in the world to take a pipe and a bottle,—and so you shall say, my Lord.

Ay—or a bowl of punch, or a can of flip, Mr. Sterling! for it looks like a cabin in the air.—If flying chairs were in use, the captain might make a voyage to the Indies in it still, if he had but a fair wind.

Ha! ha! ha! ha!

My brother's a little comacal in his ideas, my Lord!—But you'll excuse him.—I have a little gothick dairy, fitted up entirely in my own taste.—In the evening I shall hope for the honour of your Lordship's company to take a dish of tea there, or a sullabub warm from the cow.

I have every moment a fresh oppor­tunity of admiring the elegance of Mrs. Heidelberg—the very flower of delicacy, and cream of polite­ness.

O my Lord!

O Madam!

How d'ye like these close walks, my Lord?

A most excellent serpentine! It forms a perfect maze, and winds like a true-lover's knot.

Ay—here's none of your strait lines here—but all taste—zig-zag—crinkum-crankum—in and out—right and left—to and again—twisting and turn­ing like a worm, my Lord!

Admirably laid out indeed, Mr. Ster­ing! one can hardly see an inch beyond one's nose any where in these walks.—You are a most excellent oeconomist of your land, and make a little go a great way.—It lies together in as small parcels as if it was [Page 29] placed in pots out at your window in Gracechurch-Street.

Ha! ha! ha! ha!

What d'ye laugh at, Canton?

Ah! que cette similitude est drole! So clever what you say, mi Lor.

You seem mightily enga­ged, Madam. What are those pretty hands so busily employed about?

Only making up a nosegay, my Lord!—Will your Lordship do me the honour of accepting it?

I'll wear it next my heart, Madam!—I see the young creature doats on me.

Lord, sister! you've loaded his Lord­ship with a bunch of flowers as big as the cook or the nurse carry to town on Monday morning for a beaupot.—Will your Lordship give me leave to pre­sent you with this rose and a sprig of sweet-briar?

The truest emblems of yourself, Ma­dam! all sweetness and poignancy.—A little jealous, poor soul!

Now, my Lord, if you please, I'll carry you to see my Ruins.

You'll absolutely fatigue his Lordship with overwalking, brother!

Not at all, Madam! We're in the garden of Eden, you know; in the region of perpe­tual spring, youth, and beauty.

Quite the man of qualaty, I pertest.

Take a my arm, mi Lor!

I'll only shew his Lordship my ruins, and the cascade, and the Chinese bridge, and then we'll go in to breakfast.

Ruins, did you say, Mr. Sterling?

Ay, ruins, my Lord! and they are reckoned very fine ones too. You would think them ready to [Page 30] tumble on your head. It has just cost me a hundred and fifty pounds to put my ruins in thorough repair.—This way, if your Lordship pleases.

What steeple's that we see yonder? the parish-church, I suppose.

Ha! ha! ha! that's admirable. It is no church at all, my Lord! it is a spire that I have built against a tree, a field or two off, to terminate the prospect. One must always have a church, or an obelisk, or a something, to terminate the prospect, you know. That's a rule in taste, my Lord!

Very ingenious, indeed! For my part, I desire no finer prospect, than this I see before me.

—Simple, yet varied; bounded, yet extensive.—Get away, Canton!

I want no assistance.—I'll walk with the ladies.

This way, my Lord!

Lead on, Sir!—We young folks here will follow you.—Madam!—Miss Sterling!—Miss Fanny! I attend you.

He is cock o'de game, ma foy!

At length, thank heaven, I have an opportunity to unbosom.—I know you are faithful, Lovewell, and flatter myself you would rejoice to serve me.

Be assured, you may depend on me.

You must know then, notwithstanding all appearances, that this treaty of marriage between Miss Sterling and me will come to nothing.

How!

It will be no match, Lovewell.

No match?

No.

You amaze me. What should prevent it?

I.

[Page 31]

You! wherefore?

I don't like her.

Very plain indeed! I never supposed that you was extremely devoted to her from inclination, but thought you always considered it as a matter of convenience, rather than affection.

Very true. I came into the family with­out any impressions on my mind—with an unim­passioned indifference ready to receive one woman as soon as another. I looked upon love, serious, sober love, as a chimaera, and marriage as a thing of course, as you know most people do. But I, who was lately so great an infidel in love, am now one of its sincerest votaries.—In short, my defection from Miss Sterling proceeds from the violence of my attachment to another.

Another! So! so! here will be fine work. And pray who is she?

Who is she! who can she be? but Fanny, the tender, amiable, engaging Fanny.

Fanny! What Fanny?

Fanny Sterling. Her sister—Is not she an angel, Lovewell?

Her sister? Confusion!—You must not think of it, Sir John.

Not think of it? I can think of nothing else. Nay, tell me, Lovewell! was it possible for me to be indulged in a perpetual intercourse with two such objects as Fanny and her sister, and not find my heart led by insensible attraction towards Her?—You seem confounded—Why don't you answer me?

Indeed, Sir John, this event gives me infinite concern.

Why so?—Is not she an angel, Love­well?

I foresee that it must produce the worst consequences. Consider the confusion it must una­voidably create. Let me persuade you to drop these thoughts in time.

[Page 32]

Never—never, Lovewell!

You have gone too far to recede. A negotiation, so nearly concluded, cannot be broken off with any grace. The lawyers, you know, are hourly expected; the preliminaries almost finally settled between Lord Ogleby and Mr. Sterling; and Miss Sterling herself ready to receive you as a husband.

Why the banns have been published, and nobody has forbidden them, 'tis true. But you know either of the parties may change their minds even after they enter the church.

You think too lightly of this matter. To carry your addresses so far—and then to desert her—and for her sister too!—It will be such an affront to the family, that they can never put up with it.

I don't think so: for as to my transfer­ring my passion from her to her sister, so much the better▪—for then, you know, I don't carry my af­fections out of the family.

Nay, but prithee be serious, and think better of it.

I have thought better of it already, you see. Tell me honestly, Lovewell! Can you blame me? Is there any comparison between them?

As to that now—why that—that is just—just as it may strike different people. There are many admirers of Miss Sterling's vivacity.

Vivacity! a medley of Cheapside pert­ness, and Whitechapel pride.—No—no—if I do go so far into the city for a wedding-dinner, it shall be upon turtle at least.

But I see no probability of success; for granting that Mr. Sterling wou'd have consented to it at first, he cannot listen to it now. Why did not you break this affair to the family before?

Under such embarrassed circumstances as I have been, can you wonder at my irresolution or perplexity? Nothing but despair, the fear of losing my dear Fanny, cou'd bring me to a declaration [Page 33] even now: and yet, I think I know Mr. Sterling so well, that, strange as my proposal may appear, if I can make it advantageous to him as a money-trans­action, as I am sure I can, he will certainly come into it.

But even suppose he should, which I very much doubt, I don't think Fanny herself wou'd listen to your addresses.

You are deceived a little in that parti­cular.

You'll find I am in the right.

I have some little reason to think other­wise.

You have not declared your passion to her already?

Yes, I have.

Indeed!—And—and—and how did she receive it?

I think it is not very easy for me to make my addresses to any woman, without receiving some little encouragement.

Encouragement! did she give you any encouragement?

I don't know what you call encourage­ment—but she blushed—and cried—and desired me not to think of it any more:—upon which I prest her hand—kissed it—swore she was an angel—and I cou'd see it tickled her to the soul.

And did she express no surprise at your declaration?

Why, faith, to say the truth, she was a little surprised—and she got away from me too, be­fore I cou'd thoroughly explain myself. If I should not meet with an opportunity of speaking to her, I must get you to deliver a letter from me.

I!—a letter!—I had rather have nothing—

Nay, you promised me your assistance—and I am sure you cannot scruple to make yourself useful on such an occasion.—You may, without sus­picion, [Page 34] acquaint her verbally of my determined af­fection for her, and that I am resolved to ask her father's consent.

As to that, I—your commands, you know—that is, if she—Indeed, Sir John, I think you are in the wrong.

Well—well—that's my concern—Ha! there she goes, by heaven! along that walk yonder, d'ye see? I'll go to her immediately.

You are too precipitate. Consider what you are doing.

I wou'd not lose this opportunity for the universe.

Nay, pray don't go! Your violence and eagerness may overcome her spirits.—The shock will be too much for her.

Nothing shall prevent me.—Ha! now she turns into another walk.—Let me go!

I shall lose her.—

Be sure now to keep out of the way! If you interrupt us, I shall never forgive you.

'Sdeath! I can't bear this. In love with my wife! acquaint me with his passion for her! make his ad­dresses before my face!—I shall break out before my time.—This was the meaning of Fanny's uneasiness. She could not encourage him—I am sure she could not.—Ha! they are turning into the walk, and coming this way. Shall I leave the place?—Leave him to sollicit my wife! I can't submit to it.—They come nearer and nearer—If I stay it will look sus­picious—It may betray us, and incense him—They are here—I must go—I am the most unfortunate fellow in the world.

Leave me, Sir John, I beseech you leave me!—nay, why will you persist to follow me with [Page 35] idle sollicitations, which are an affront to my cha­racter, and an injury to your own honour?

I know your delicacy, and tremble to offend it: but let the urgency of the occasion be my excuse! Consider, Madam, that the future happiness of my life depends on my present application to you! consider that this day must determine my fate; and these are perhaps the only moments left me to incline you to warrant my passion, and to intreat you not to oppose the proposals I mean to open to your father.

For shame, for shame, Sir John! Think of your previous engagements! Think of your own situation, and think of mine!—What have you dis­covered in my conduct that might encourage you to so bold a declaration? I am shocked that you should venture to say so much, and blush that I should even dare to give it a hearing.—Let me be gone!

Nay, stay, Madam! but one moment!—Your sensibility is too great.—Engagements! what engagements have even been pretended on either side than those of family-convenience? I went on in the trammels of matrimonial negotiation with a blind submission to your father and Lord Ogleby; but my heart soon claimed a right to be consulted. It has devoted itself to you, and obliges me to plead earnest­ly for the same tender interest in your's.

Have a care, Sir John! do not mistake a depraved will for a virtuous inclination. By these common pretences of the heart, half of our sex are made fools, and a greater part of yours despise them for it.

Affection, you will allow, is involuntary. We cannot always direct it to the object on which it should fix—But when it is once inviolably attached, inviolably as mine is to you, it often creates recipro­cal affection.—When I last urged you on this subject, you heard me with more temper, and I hoped with some compassion.

[Page 36]

You deceived yourself. If I forbore to exert a proper spirit, nay if I did not even express the quickest resentment of your behaviour, it was only in consideration of that respect I wish to pay you, in honour to my sister: and be assured, Sir, woman as I am, that my vanity could reap no pleasure from a triumph, that must result from the blackest treachery to her.

One word, and I have done.

—Your impatience and anxiety, and the urgency of the occasion, oblige me to be brief and explicit with you.—I appeal therefore from your delicacy to your justice.—Your sister, I verily believe, neither entertains any real affection for me, or tenderness for you.—Your father, I am inclined to think, is not much concerned by means of which of his daughters the families are united.—Now as they cannot, shall not be connected, otherwise than by my union with you, why will you, from a false delicacy, oppose a measure so conducive to my happiness, and, I hope, your own?—I love you, most passionately and sin­cerely love you—and hope to propose terms agreeable to Mr. Sterling.—If then you don't absolutely loath, abhor, and scorn me—if there is no other happier man—

Hear me, Sir! hear my final determina­tion.—Were my father and sister as insensible as you are pleased to represent them;—were my heart for ever to remain disengaged to any other—I could not listen to your proposals.—What! You on the very eve of a marriage with my sister; I living under the same roof with her, bound not only by the laws of friendship and hospitality, but even the ties of blood, to contribute to her happiness,—and not to conspire against her peace—the peace of a whole family—and that my own too!—Away! away, Sir John!—At such a time, and in such circumstances, your addresses only inspire me with horror.—Nay, you must detain me no longer.—I will go.

[Page 37]

Do not leave me in absolute despair!—Give me a glimpse of hope!

I cannot. Pray, Sir John!

Shall this hand be given to another?

No—I cannot endure it.—My whole soul is yours, and the whole happiness of my life is in your power.

Ha! my sister is here. Rise for shame, Sir John!

Miss Sterling!

I beg pardon, Sir!—You'll excuse me, Madam!—I have broke in upon you a little unoppor­tunely, I believe—But I did not mean to interrupt you—I only came, Sir, to let you know that break­fast waits, if you have finished your morning's de­votions.

I am very sensible, Miss Sterling, that this may appear particular, but—

Oh dear, Sir John, don't put yourself to the trouble of an apology. The thing explains itself.

It will soon, Madam!—In the mean time I can only assure you of my profound respect and esteem for you, and make no doubt of convincing Mr. Sterling of the honour and integrity of my intentions. And—and—your humble servant, Ma­dam!

Respect?—Insolence!—Esteem?—Very fine truly!—And you, Madam! my sweet, delicate, innocent, sentimental sister! will you convince my papa too of the integrity of your intentions?

Do not upbraid me, my dear sister! Indeed, I don't deserve it. Believe me, you can't be more offended at his behaviour than I am, and I am sure it cannot make you half so miserable.

[Page 38]

Make me miserable! You are mightily deceived, Madam! It gives me no sort of uneasiness, I assure you.—A base fellow!—As for you, Miss! the pretended softness of your disposition, your artful good-nature, never imposed upon me. I always knew you to be fly, and envious, and deceitful.

Indeed you wrong me.

Oh, you are all goodness, to be sure!—Did not I find him on his knees before you? Did not I see him kiss your sweet hand? Did not I hear his protestations? Was not I witness of your dis­sembled modesty?—No—no, my dear! don't imagine that you can make a fool of your elder sister so easily.

Sir John, I own, is to blame; but I am above the thoughts of doing you the least injury.

We shall try that, Madam!—I hope, Miss, you'll be able to give a better account to my papa and my aunt—for they shall both know of this matter, I promise you.

How unhappy I am! my distresses multiply upon me.—Mr. Lovewell must now become acquainted with Sir John's behaviour to me—and in a manner that may add to his uneasiness.—My father, instead of being disposed by fortunate circumstances to for­give any transgression, will be previously incensed against me.—My sister and my aunt will become irreconcilably my enemies, and rejoice in my disgrace.—Yet, at all events, I am determined on a discovery. I dread it, and am resolved to hasten it. It is sur­rounded with more horrors every instant, as it ap­pears every instant more necessary.

SCENE I. A hall.

THIS way, if you please, gentlemen! my master is at breakfast with the fa­mily at present—but I'll let him know, and he will wait on you immediately.

Mighty well, young man, mighty well.

Please to favour me with your names, gentlemen.

Let Mr. Sterling know, that Mr. Serjeant Flower, and two other gentlemen of the bar, are come to wait on him according to his appointment.

I will, Sir.

And harkee, young man!

Desire my servant—Mr. Serjeant Flower's servant—to bring in my green and gold saddle-cloth and pistols, and lay them down here in the hall with my portmanteau.

I will, Sir.

Well, gentlemen! the setting these mar­riage articles falls conveniently enough, almost just on the eve of the circuits.—Let me see—the Home, the Midland, and Western,—ay, we can all cross the country well enough to our several destinations.—Traverse, when do you begin at Hertford?

The day after to-morrow.

That is commission-day with us at War­wick too.—But my clerk has retainers for every cause in the paper, so it will be time enough if I am there the next morning.—Besides, I have about half a dozen cases that have lain by me ever since the spring assizes, and I must tack opinions to them [Page 40] before I see my country-clients again—so I will take the evening before me—and then currente calamo, as I say—eh, Traverse!

True, Mr. Serjeant—and the easiest thing in the world too—for those country attornies are such ignorant dogs, that in case of the devise of an estate to A. and his heirs for ever, they'll make a query, whether he takes in fee or in tail.

Do you expect to have much to do on the Home circuit these assizes?

Not much nisi prius business, but a good deal on the crown side, I believe.—The goals are brimfull—and some of the felons in good circum­stances, and likely to be tolerable clients.—Let me see! I am engag'd for three highway robberies, two murders, one forgery, and half a dozen larcenies, at Kingston.

A pretty decent goal-delivery!—Do you expect to bring off Darkin, for the robbery on Put­ney-Common? Can you make out your alibi?

Oh, no! the crown witnesses are sure to prove our identity. We shall certainly be hanged: but that don't signify.—But, Mr. Serjeant, have you much to do?—any remarkable cause on the Midland this circuit?

Nothing very remarkable,—except two rapes, and Rider and Western at Nottingham, for crim. con.—but, on the whole, I believe a good deal of business.—Our associate tells me, there are above thirty venires for Warwick.

Pray, Mr. Serjeant, are you concerned in Jones and Thomas at Lincoln?

I am—for the plaintiff.

And what do you think on't?

A nonsuit.

I thought so.

Oh, no manner of doubt on't— luce cla­rius—we have no right in us—we have but one chance.

[Page 41]

What's that?

Why, my Lord Chief does not go the circuit this time, and my brother Puzzle being in the commission, the cause will come on before him.

Ay, that may do, indeed, if you can but throw dust in the eyes of the defendant's council.

True.—Mr. Trueman, I think you are concerned for Lord Ogleby in this affair?

I am, Sir—I have the honour to be re­lated to his Lordship, and hold some courts for him in Somersetshire,—go the Western circuit—and at­tend the sessions at Exeter, merely because his Lord­ship's interest and property lie in that part of the kingdom.

Ha!—and pray, Mr. Trueman, how long have you been called to the bar?

About nine years and three quarters.

Ha!—I don't know that I ever had the pleasure of seeing you before.—I wish you success, young gentleman!

Oh, Mr. Serjeant Flower, I am glad to see you—Your servant, Mr. Serjeant! gentlemen, your servant!—Well, are all matters concluded? Has that snail-paced conveyancer, old Ferret of Gray's Inn, settled the articles at last? Do you approve of what he has done? Will his tackle hold? tight and strong?—Eh, master Serjeant?

My friend Ferret's slow and sure, Sir—But then, serius aut citius, as we say,—sooner or later, Mr. Sterling, he is sure to put his business out of hand as he should do.—My clerk has brought the writings, and all other instruments along with him, and the settlement is, I believe, as good a settlement as any settlement on the face of the earth!

But that damn'd mortgage of 60,000l.—There don't appear to be any other incumbrances, I hope?

[Page 42]

I can answer for that, Sir—and that will be cleared off immediately on the payment of the first part of Miss Sterling's portion—You agree, on your part, to come down with 80,000l.—

Down on the nail.—Ay, ay, my money is ready to-morrow if he pleases—he shall have it in India-bonds, or notes, or how he chuses.—Your lords, and your dukes, and your people at the court-end of the town stick at payments sometimes—debts unpaid, no credit lost with them—but no fear of us substantial fellows—eh, Mr. Serjeant!—

Sir John having last term, according to agreement, levied a fine, and suffered a recovery, has thereby cut off the entail of the Ogleby estate for the better effecting the purposes of the present intended marriage; on which above-mentioned Ogleby estate, a jointure of 2000l. per ann. is secured to your eldest daughter, now Elizabeth Sterling, spinster, and the whole estate, after the death of the aforesaid Earl, descends to the heirs male of Sir John Melvil on the body of the aforesaid Eliza­beth Sterling lawfully to be begotten.

Very true—and Sir John is to be put in immediate possession of as much of his Lordship's Somersetshire estate, as lies in the manors of Hog­more and Cranford, amounting to between two and three thousands per ann. and at the death of Mr. Sterling, a further sum of seventy thousand—

Ah, Sir John! Here we are—hard at it—paving the road to matrimony—First the lawyers, then comes the doctor—Let us but dispatch the long-robe, we shall soon set Pudding-sleeves to work, I warrant you.

I am sorry to interrupt you, Sir—but I hope that both you and these gentlemen will excuse me—having something very particular for your private ear, I took the liberty of following you, and [Page 43] beg you will oblige me with an audience imme­diately.

Ay, with all my heart—Gentlemen, Mr. Serjeant, you'll excuse it—Business must be done, you know.—The writings will keep cold till to-mor­row morning.

I must be at Warwick, Mr. Sterling, the day after.

Nay, nay, I shan't part with you to-night, gentlemen, I promise you—My house is very full, but I have beds for you all, beds for your servants, and stabling for all your horses.—Will you take a turn in the garden, and view some of my improve­ments before dinner? Or will you amuse yourselves on the green, with a game of bowls and a cool tankard?—My servants shall attend you—Do you chuse any other refreshment?—Call for what you please;—do as you please;—make yourselves quite at home, I beg of you.—Here,—Thomas, Harry, William, wait on these Gentlemen!—

And now, Sir, I am entirely at your service.—What are your commands with me, Sir John?

After having carried the negotiation between our families to so great a length, after having assented so readily to all your proposals, as well as received so many instances of your chearful compli­ance with the demands made on our part, I am extremely concerned, Mr. Sterling, to be the invo­luntary cause of any uneasiness.

Uneasiness! what uneasiness?—Where busi­ness is transacted as it ought to be, and the parties understand one another, there can be no uneasiness. You agree, on such and such conditions to receive my daughter for a wife; on the same conditions I agree to receive you as a son-in-law; and as to all the rest, it follows of course, you know, as regularly as the pay­ment of a bill after acceptance.

[Page 44]

Pardon me, Sir; more uneasiness has arisen than you are aware of. I am myself, at this instant, in a state of inexpressible embarrassment; Miss Sterling, I know, is extremely disconcerted too; and unless you will oblige me with the assistance of your friendship, I foresee the speedy progress of dis­content and animosity through the whole family.

What the deuce is all this? I don't under­stand a single syllable.

In one word then—it will be absolutely impossible for me to fulfill my engagements in regard to Miss Sterling.

How, Sir John? Do you mean to put an affront upon my family? What! refuse to—

Be assured, Sir, that I neither mean to affront, nor forsake your family.—My only fear is, that you should desert me; for the whole happiness of my life depends on my being connected with your family by the nearest and tenderest ties in the world.

Why, did not you tell me, but a moment ago, that it was absolutely impossible for you to marry my daughter?

True.—But you have another daughter, Sir—

Well?

Who has obtained the most absolute dominion over my heart. I have already declared my passion to her; nay, Miss Sterling herself is also apprized of it, and if you will but give a sanction to my present addresses, the uncommon merit of Miss Sterling will no doubt recommend her to a person of equal, if not superior rank to myself, and our families may still be allied by my union with Miss Fanny.

Mighty fine, truly! Why, what the plague do you make of us, Sir John? Do you come to market for my daughters, like servants at a statute-fair? Do you think that I will suffer you, or any man in the world, to come into my house, like the [Page 45] Grand Signior, and throw the handkerchief first to one, and then to t'other, just as he pleases? Do you think I drive a kind of African slave-trade with them? and—

A moment's patience, Sir! Nothing but the excess of my passion for Miss Fanny shou'd have induced me to take any step that had the least appear­ance of disrespect to any part of your family; and even now I am desirous to atone for my transgression, by making the most adequate compensation that lies in my power.

Compensation! what compensation can you possibly make in such a case as this, Sir John?

Come, come, Mr. Sterling; I know you to be a man of sense, a man of business, a man of the world. I'll deal frankly with you; and you shall see that I do not desire a change of measures for my own gratification, without endeavouring to make it advantageous to you.

What advantage can your inconstancy be to me, Sir John?

I'll tell you, Sir.—You know that by the articles at present subsisting between us, on the day of my marriage with Miss Sterling, you agree to pay down the gross sum of eighty thousand pounds.

Well!

Now if you will but consent to my waving that marriage—

I agree to your waving that marriage? Im­possible, Sir John!

I hope not, Sir; as on my part, I will agree to wave my right to thirty thousand pounds of the fortune I was to receive with her.

Thirty thousand, d'ye say?

Yes, Sir; and accept of Miss Fanny with fifty thousand, instead of fourscore.

Fifty thousand—

Instead of fourscore.

[Page 46]

Why,—why,—there may be something in that.—Let me see; Fanny with fifty thousand instead of Betsey with fourscore—But how can this be, Sir John?—For you know I am to pay this money into the hands of my Lord Ogleby; who, I believe—between you and me, Sir John,—is not overstocked with ready money at present; and threescore thou­sand of it, you know, is to go to pay off the present incumbrances on the estate, Sir John.

That objection is easily obviated.—Ten of the twenty thousand, which would remain as a surplus of the fourscore, after paying off the mort­gage, was intended by his Lordship for my use, that we might set off with some little eclat on our marri­age; and the other ten for his own.—Ten thousand pounds therefore I shall be able to pay you imme­diately; and for the remaining twenty thousand you shall have a mortgage on that part of the estate which is to be made over to me, with whatever security you shall require for the regular payment of the interest, 'till the principal is duly discharged.

Why—to do you justice, Sir John, there is something fair and open in your proposal; and since I find you do not mean to put an affront upon the family—

Nothing was ever farther from my thoughts, Mr. Sterling.—And after all, the whole affair is nothing extraordinary—such things happen every day—and as the world has only heard generally of a treaty between the families, when this marriage takes place, nobody will be the wiser, if we have but discretion enough to keep our own counsel.

True, true; and since you only transfer from one girl to the other, it is no more than transferring so much stock, you know.

The very thing.

Odso! I had quite forgot. We are reckon­ing without our host here. There is another diffi­culty—

[Page 47]

You alarm me. What can that be?

I can't stir a step in this business without consulting my sister Heidelberg.—The family has very great expectations from her, and we must not give her any offence.

But if you come into this measure, surely she will be so kind as to consent—

I don't know that—Betsey is her darling, and I can't tell how far she may resent any slight that seems to be offered to her favourite niece.—However, I'll do the best I can for you.—You shall go and break the matter to her first, and by that time that I may suppose that your rhetorick has prevailed on her to listen to reason, I will step in to reinforce your argu­ments.

I'll fly to her immediately: you pro­mise me your assistance?

I do.

Ten thousand thanks for it! and now success attend me!

Harkee, Sir John!

Not a word of the thirty thousand to my sister, Sir John.

Oh, I am dumb, I am dumb, Sir.

You remember it is thirty thousand.

To be sure I do.

But Sir John!—one thing more.

My Lord must know nothing of this stroke of friendship between us.

Not for the world.—Let me alone! let me alone!

—And when every thing is agreed, we must give each other a bond to be held fast to the bargain.

To be sure. A bond by all means! a bond, or whatever you please.

[Page 48]

I should have thought of more conditions—he's in a humour to give me every thing—Why, what mere children are your fellows of quality; that cry for a plaything one minute, and throw it by the next! as changeable as the weather, and as uncertain as the stocks.—Special fellows to drive a bargain! and yet they are to take care of the interest of the nation tru­ly!—Here does this whirligig man of fashion offer to give up thirty thousand pounds in hard money, with as much indifference as if it was a china orange.—By this mortgage, I shall have a hold on his Terra­firma, and if he wants more money, as he certainly will,—let him have children by my daughter or no, I shall have his whole estate in a net for the benefit of my family.—Well; thus it is, that the children of citizens, who have acquired fortunes, prove per­sons of fashion; and thus it is, that persons of fashion, who have ruined their fortunes, reduce the next gene­ration to cits.

SCENE changes to another apartment.

This is your gentle-looking, soft-speak­ing, sweet-smiling, affable Miss Fanny for you!

My Miss Fanny! I disclaim her. With all her arts she never could insinuat herself into my good graces—and yet she has a way with her, that deceives man, woman, and child, except you and me, niece.

O ay; she wants nothing but a crook in her hand, and a lamb under her arm, to be a per­fect picture of innocence and simplicity.

Just as I was drawn at Amster­dam, when I went over to visit my husband's relati­ons.

And then she's so mighty good to ser­vants— pray, John, do this—pray, Tom, do that—thank [Page 49] you, Jenny—and then so humble to her relations—to be sure, Papa!—as my Aunt pleases—my Sister knows best—But with all her demureness and humility she has no objection to be Lady Melvil, it seems, nor to any wickedness that can make her so.

She Lady Melville? Compose your­self, Niece! I'll ladyship her indeed:—a little cree­pin, cantin—She shan't be the better for a farden of my money. But tell me, child, how does this in­triguing with Sir John correspond with her partiality to Lovewell? I don't see a concatunation here.

There I was deceived, Madam. I took all their whisperings and stealing into corners to be the mere attraction of vulgar minds; but, behold! their private meetings were not to contrive their own insipid happiness, but to conspire against mine.—But I know whence proceeds Mr. Lovewell's resentment to me. I could not stoop to be familiar with my fa­ther's clerk, and so I have lost his interest.

My spurrit to a T.—My dear child!

—Mr. Heidelberg lost his election for member of parliament, because I would not demean myself to be slobbered about by drunken shoemakers, beastly cheesemongers, and greasy butchers and tallow-chandlers. However, Niece, I can't help dif­furing a little in opinion from you in this matter. My experunce and sagucity makes me still suspect, that there is something more between her and that Lovewell, notwithstanding this affair of Sir John—I had my eye upon them the whole time of break­fast.—Sir John, I observed, looked a little confound­ed, indeed, though I knew nothing of what had passed in the garden. You seemed to sit upon thorns too: but Fanny and Mr. Lovewell made quite ano­ther-guess sort of a figur; and were as perfet a pictur of two distrest lovers, as if it had been drawn by Raphael Angelo.—As to Sir John and Fanny, I want a matter of fact.

[Page 50]

Matter of fact, Madam! Did not I come unexpectedly upon them? Was not Sir John kneeling at her feet, and kissing her hand? Did not he look all love, and she all confusion? Is not that matter of fact? And did not Sir John, the moment that Papa was called out of the room to the lawyer­men, get up from breakfast, and follow him immediately? And I warrant you that by this time he has made proposals to him to marry my sister—Oh, that some other person, an earl, or a duke, would make his addresses to me, that I might be revenged on this monster!

Be cool, child! you shall be Lady Melvil, in spite of all their caballins, if it costs me ten thousand pounds to turn the scale. Sir John may apply to my brother, indeed; but I'll make them all know who governs in this fammaly.

As I live, Madam, yonder comes Sir John. A base man! I can't endure the sight of him. I'll leave the room this instant.

Poor thing! Well, retire to your own chamber, child; I'll give it him, I warrant you; and by and by I'll come, and let you know all that has past between us.

Pray do, Madam!—

—A vile wretch!

Your most obedient humble servant, Madam!

Your servant, Sir John!

Miss Sterling's manner of quitting the room on my approach, and the visible coolness of your behaviour to me, Madam, convince me that she has acquainted you with what past this morning.

I am very sorry, Sir John, to be made acquainted with any thing that should induce me to change the opinon, which I could always wish to entertain of a person of quallaty.

[Page 51]

It has always been my ambition to merit the best opinion from Mrs. Heidelberg; and when she comes to weigh all circumstances, I flatter my­self—

You do flatter yourself, if you ima­gine that I can approve of your behaviour to my niece, Sir John.—And give me leave to tell you, Sir John, that you have been drawn into an action much beneath you, Sir John; and that I look upon every injury offered to Miss Betty Sterling, as an affront to myself, Sir John.

I would not offend you for the world, Madam! but when I am influenced by a partiality for another, however ill-founded, I hope your dis­cernment and good sense will think it rather a point of honour to renounce engagements, which I could not fulfil so strictly as I ought; and that you will excuse the change in my inclinations, since the new object, as well as the first, has the honour of being your niece, Madam.

I disclaim her as a niece, Sir John; Miss Sterling disclaims her as a sister, and the whole fammaly must disclaim her, for her monstrus base­ness and treachery.

Indeed she has been guilty of none, Madam. Her hand and heart are, I am sure, en­tirely at the disposal of yourself, and Mr. Sterling.

And if you should not oppose my inclinations, I am sure of Mr. Sterling's consent, Madam.

Indeed!

Quite certain, Madam.

So! they seem to be coming to terms already. I may venture to make my ap­pearance.

To marry Fanny?

Yes, Madam.

My brother has given his consent, you say?

[Page 52]

In the most ample manner, with no other restriction than the failure of your concurrence, Madam.—

—Oh, here's Mr. Sterling, who will confirm what I have told you.

What! have you consented to give up your own daughter in this manner, brother?

Give her up! no, not give her up, sister; only in case that you—Zounds, I am afraid you have said too much, Sir John.

Yes, yes. I see now that it is true enough what my niece told me. You are all plot­tin and caballin against her.—Pray, does Lord Ogleby know of this affair?

I have not yet made him acquainted with it, Madam.

No, I warrant you. I thought so.—And so his Lordship and myself truly, are not to be consulted 'till the last.

What! did not you consult my Lord? Oh, fie for shame, Sir John!

Nay, but Mr. Sterling—

We, who are the persons of most consequence and experunce in the two fammalies, are to know nothing of the matter, 'till the whole is as good as concluded upon. But his Lordship, I am sure, will have more generosaty than to coun­tenance such a perceeding—And I could not have expected such behavour from a person of your quallaty, Sir John.—And as for you, brother—

Nay, nay, but hear me, sister!

I am perfetly ashamed of you—Have you no spurrit? no more concern for the ho­nour of our fammaly than to consent—

Consent?—I consent!—As I hope for mer­cy, I never gave my consent. Did I consent, Sir John?

Not absolutely, without Mrs. Heidel­berg's concurrence. But in case of her appro­bation—

[Page 53]

Ay, I grant you, if my sister approved.—But that's quite another thing, you know.—

Your sister approve, indeed!—I thought you know her better, brother Sterling!—What! approve of having your eldest daughter re­turned upon your hands, and exchanged for the younger?—I am surprized how you could listen to such a scandalus proposal.

I tell you, I never did listen to it.—Did not I say that I would be governed entirely by my sister, Sir John?—And unless she agreed to your marrying Fanny—

I agree to his marrying Fanny? abominable! The man is absolutely out of his senses.—Can't that wise head of yours foresee the conse­quence of all this, brother Sterling? Will Sir John take Fanny without a fortune? No.—After you have settled the largest part of your property on your youngest daughter, can there be an equal portion left for the eldest? No.—Does not this overturn the whole systum of the fammaly? Yes, yes, yes. You know I was always for my niece Betsey's marrying a person of the very first quallaty. That was my maxum. And, therefore, much the largest settle­ment was of course to be made upon her.—As for Fanny, if she could, with a fortune of twenty or thirty thousand pounds, get a knight, or a member of parliament, or a rich common-council-man for a husband, I thought it might do very well.

But if a better match should offer itself, why should not it be accepted, Madam?

What! at the expence of her elder sister! Oh fie, Sir John!—How could you bear to hear of such an indignaty, brother Sterling?

I! nay, I shan't hear of it, I promise you.—I can't hear of it indeed, Sir John.

But you have heard of it, brother Sterling. You know you have; and sent Sir John [Page 54] to propose it to me. But if you can give up your daughter, I shan't forsake my niece, I assure you. Ah! if my poor dear Mr. Heidelberg, and our sweet babes had been alive, he would not have behaved so.

Did I, Sir John? nay speak!—Bring me off, or we are ruined.

Why, to be sure, to speak the truth—

To speak the truth, I'm ashamed of you both. But have a care what you are about, brother! have a care, I say. The lawyers are in the house, I hear; and if every thing is not settled to my liking, I'll have nothing more to say to you, if I live these hundred years.—I'll go over to Hol­land, and settle with Mr. Vanderspracken, my poor husband's first cousin; and my own fammaly shall never be the better for a farden of my money, I promise you.

I thought so. I knew she never would agree to it.

'Sdeath, how unfortunate! What can we do, Mr. Sterling?

Nothing.

What! must our agreement break off, the moment it is made then?

It can't be helped, Sir John. The family, as I told you before, have great expectations from my sister; and if this matter proceeds, you hear yourself that she threatens to leave us.—My brother Heidelberg was a warm man; a very warm man; and died worth a Plumb at least; a Plumb! ay, I warrant you, he died worth a Plumb and a half.

Well; but if I—

And then, my sister has three or four very good mortgages, a deal of money in the three percents. and old South-Sea annuities, besides large concerns in the Dutch and French funds.—The [Page 55] greatest part of all this she means to leave to our family.

I can only say, Sir—

Why, your offer of the difference of thirty thousand, was very fair and handsome to be sure, Sir John.

Nay, but I am even willing to—

Ay, but if I was to accept it against her will, I might lose above a hundred thousand; so, you see, the ballance is against you, Sir John.

But is there no way, do you think, of prevailing on Mrs. Heidelberg to grant her consent?

I am afraid not.—However, when her pas­sion is a little abated—for she's very passionate—you may try what can be done: but you must not use my name any more, Sir John.

Suppose I was to prevail on Lord Ogleby to apply to her, do you think that would have any influence over her?

I think he would be more likely to persuade her to it, than any other person in the family. She has a great respect for Lord Ogleby. She loves a lord.

I'll apply to him this very day.—And if he should prevail on Mrs. Heidelberg, I may depend on your friendship, Mr. Sterling?

Ay, ay, I shall be glad to oblige you, when it is in my power; but as the account stands now, you see it is not upon the figures. And so your servant, Sir John.

What a situation am I in!—Breaking off with her whom I was bound by treaty to marry; rejected by the object of my affections; and embroiled with this turbulent woman, who governs the whole family.—And yet opposition, instead of smothering, increases my inclination. I must have her. I'll apply imme­diately to Lord Ogleby; and if he can but bring [Page 56] over the aunt to our party, her influence will overcome the scruples and delicacy of my dear Fanny, and I shall be the happiest of mankind.

SCENE I. A room.

WHAT! will you send Fanny to town, sister?

To-morrow morning. I've given orders about it already.

Indeed?

Positively.

But consider, sister, at such a time as this, what an odd appearance it will have.

Not half so odd, as her behaviour, brother.—This time was intended for happiness, and I'll keep no incendaries here to destroy it. I insist on her going off to-morrow morning.

I'm afraid this is all your doing, Betsey.

No indeed, Papa. My aunt knows that it is not.—For all Fanny's baseness to me, I am sure I would not do, or say any thing to hurt her with you or my aunt for the world.

Hold your tongue, Betsey!—I will have my way.—When she is packed off, every thing will go on as it should do.—Since they are at their intrigues, I'll let them see that we can act with vigur on our part; and the sending her out of the way shall be the purlimunary step to all the rest of my perceedings.

Well, but sister—

It does not signify talking, brother Sterling, for I'm resolved to be rid of her, and I will. [Page 57] —Come along, child!

—The post­shay shall be at the door by six o'clock in the morn­ing; and if Miss Fanny does not get into it, why I will, and so there's an end of the matter.

One word more, brother Sterling!—I expect that you will take your eldest daughter in your hand, and make a formal complaint to Lord Ogleby of Sir John Melvil's behaviour.—Do this, brother; shew a proper regard for the honour of your fammaly yourself, and I shall throw in my mite to the raising of it. If not—but now you know my mind. So act as you please, and take the conse­quences.

The devil's in the woman for tyranny—mothers, wives, mistresses, or sisters, they always will govern us.—As to my sister Heidelberg, she knows the strength of her purse, and domineers upon the credit of it.—"I will do this"—and "you shall do that"—and "you must do t'other, or else the fammaly shan't have a farden of"—

—So absolute with her money!—but to say the truth, nothing but money can make us absolute, and so we must e'en make the best of her.

SCENE changes to the garden.

What! Mademoiselle Fanny to be sent away!—Why?—Wherefore?—What's the meaning of all this?

Je ne scais pas.—I know noting of it.

It can't be; it shan't be. I protest against the measure. She's a fine girl, and I had much rather that the rest of the family were annihilated [Page 58] than that she should leave us.—Her vulgar father, that's the very abstract of 'Change-Alley—the aunt, that's always endeavouring to be a fine lady—and the pert sister, for ever shewing that she is one, are horrid company indeed, and without her would be intolerable. Ah, la petite Fanchon! she's the thing. Is n't she, Cant?

Dere is very good sympatie entre vous, and dat young lady, mi Lor.

I'll not be left among these Goths and Vandals, your Sterlings, your Heidelbergs, and Devilbergs—If the goes, I'll positively go too.

In de same post-chay, mi Lor? You have no object to dat I believe, nor Mademoiselle neider too—ha, ha, ha.

Prithee hold thy foolish tongue, Cant. Does thy Swiss stupidity imagine that I can see and talk with a fine girl without desires?—My eyes are involuntarily attracted by beautiful objects—I fly as naturally to a fine girl—

As de fine girl to you, my Lor, ha, ha, ha; you fly togedre like un pair de pigeons.—

Like un pair de pigeons—

—Vousetes un sot, Mons. Canton—Thou art always dreaming of my intrigues, and never seest me badiner, but you suspect mischief, you old fool, you.

I am fool, I confess, but not always fool in dat, my Lor, he, he, he.

He, he, he.—Thou art incorrigible, but thy absurdities amuse one—Thou art like my rappee here,

a most ridiculous superfluity, but a pinch of thee now and then is a most delicious treat.

You do me great honeur, my Lor.

'Tis fact, upon my Thou art properly my cephalick snuff, and art no bad medicine against megrims, vertigoes, and profound thinking—ha, ha, ha.

[Page 59]

Your flatterie, my Lor, vil make me too prode.

The girl has some little partiality for me, to be sure: but prithee, Cant, is not that Miss Fanny yonder?

En veritè, 'tis she, my Lor—'tis one of de pigeons,—de pigeons d'amour.

Don't be ridiculous, you old monkey.

I am monkeè, I am ole, but I have eye, I have ear, and a little understand, now and den.—

Taisez vous bête!

Elle vous attend, my Lor.—She vil make a love to you.

Will she? Have at her then! A fine girl can't oblige me more.—Egad, I find myself a little enjouée—come along, Cant! she is but in the next walk—but there is such a deal of this damned crinkum-crankum, as Sterling calls it, that one sees people for half an hour before one can get to them—Allons, Mons. Canton, allons donc!

My dear Fanny, I cannot bear your distress; it overcomes all my resolutions, and I am prepared for the discovery.

But how can it be effected before my de­parture?

I'll tell you.—Lord Ogleby seems to enter­tain a visible partiality for you; and notwithstanding the peculiarities of his behaviour, I am sure that he is humane at the bottom. He is vain to an excess; but withall extremely good-natured, and would do any thing to recommend himself to a lady.—Do you open the whole affair of our marriage to him imme­diately. It will come with more irresistible persuasion [Page 60] from you than from myself; and I doubt not but you'll gain his friendship and protection at once.—His influence and authority will put an end to Sir John's sollicitations, remove your aunt's and sister's un­kindness and suspicions, and, I hope, reconcile your father and the whole family to our marriage.

Heaven grant it! Where is my Lord?

I have heard him and Canton since dinner singing French songs under the great walnut-tree by the parlour door. If you meet with him in the garden, you may disclose the whole immediately.

Dreadful as the task is, I'll do it.—Any thing is better than this continual anxiety.

By that time the discovery is made, I will appear to second you.—Ha! here comes my Lord.—Now, my dear Fanny, summon up all your spirits, plead our cause powerfully, and be sure of success.—

Ah, don't leave me!

Nay, you must let me.

Well; since it must be so, I'll obey you, if I have the power. Oh Lovewell!

Consider, our situation is very critical. To-morrow morning is fixt for your departure, and if we lose this opportunity, we may wish in vain for another.—He approaches—I must retire.—Speak, my dear Fanny, speak, and make us happy!

Good heaven, what a situation am I in! what shall I do? what shall I say to him? I am all confusion.

To see so much beauty so solitary, Madam, is a satire upon mankind, and 'tis fortunate that one man has broke in upon your reverie for the credit of our sex.—I say one, Madam, for poor [Page 61] Canton here, from age and infirmities, stands for nothing.

Noting at all, inteed.

Your Lordship does me great honour.—I had a favour to request, my Lord!

A favour, Madam!—To be honoured with your commands, is an inexpressible favour done to me, Madam.

If your Lordship could indulge me with the honour of a moment's—What is the matter with me?

The girl's confus'd—he!—here's some­thing in the wind faith—I'll have a tete-a-tete with her—allez vous en!

I go—ah, pauvre Mademoiselle! my Lor, have pitié upon de poor pigeone!

I'll knock you down Cant, if you're impertinent.

Den I mus avay—

—You are mosh please, for all dat.

I shall sink with apprehension.

What a sweet girl!—she's a civiliz'd being, and atones for the barbarism of the rest of the family.

My Lord! I—

I look upon it, Madam, to be one of the luckiest circumstances of my life, that I have this moment the honour of receiving your commands, and the satisfaction of confirming with my tongue, what my eyes perhaps have but too weakly expressed—that I am literally—the humblest of your servants.

I think myself greatly honoured, by your Lordship's partiality to me; but it distresses me, that I am obliged in my present situation to apply to it for protection.

I am happy in your distress, Madam, because it gives me an opportunity to shew my [...]. Beauty to me, is a religion, in which I was born and [Page 62] bred a bigot, and would die a martyr.—I'm in tole­rable spirits, faith!

There is not perhaps at this moment a more distressed creature than myself. Affection, duty, hope, despair, and a thousand different sentiments, are struggling in my bosom; and even the presence of your Lordship, to whom I have flown for protec­tion, adds to my preplexity.

Does it, Madam?—Venus forbid!—My old fault; the devil's in me, I think, for perplexing young women.

Take courage, Madam! dear Miss Fanny, explain.—You have a powerful advocate in my breast, I assure you—my heart, Madam—I am attached to you by all the laws of sympathy, and delicacy.—By my honour, I am.

Then I will venture to unburthen my mind.—Sir John Melvil, my Lord, by the most misplaced, and mistimed declaration of affection for me, has made me the unhappiest of women.

How, Madam! Has Sir John made his addresses to you?

He has, my Lord, in the strongest terms. But I hope it is needless to say, that my duty to my father, love to my sister, and regard to the whole fa­mily, as well as the great respect I entertain for your Lordship,

made me shudder at his ad­dresses.

Charming girl!—Proceed, my dear Miss Fanny, proceed!

In a moment—give me leave, my Lord!—But if what I have to disclose should be received with anger or displeasure—

Impossible, by all the tender powers!—Speak, I beseech you, or I shall divine the cause be­fore you utter it.

Then, my Lord, Sir John's addresses are not only shocking to me in themselves, but are more [Page 63] particularly disagreeable to me at this time, as—as—

As what, Madam?

As—pardon my confusion—I am intirely devoted to another.

If this is not plain, the devil's in it—

But tell me, my dear Miss Fanny, for I must know; tell me the how, the when, and the where—Tell me—

My Lor, my Lor, my Lor!—

Damn your Swiss impertinence! how durst you interrupt me in the most critical melting moment that ever love and beauty honoured me with?

I demande pardonne, my Lor! Sir John Melvil, my Lor, sent me to beg you to do him the honour to speak a little to your Lorship.

I'm not at leisure—I'm busy—Get away, you stupid old dog, you Swiss rascal, or I'll—

Fort bien, my Lor.—

By the laws of gallantry, Madam, this interruption should be death; but as no punishment ought to disturb the triumph of the softer passions, the criminal is pardoned and dismissed—Let us return, Madam, to the highest luxury of exalted minds—a declaration of love from the lips of beauty.

The entrance of a third person has a little relieved me, but I cannot go thro' with it—and yet I must open my heart with a discovery, or it will break with its burthen.

What passion in her eyes! I am alarmed to agitation.

—I presume, Madam, (and as you have flattered me, by making me a party concerned, I hope you'll excuse the presumption) that—

Do you excuse my making you a party con­cerned, my Lord, and let me interest your heart in my behalf, as my future happiness or misery in a great measure depend—

[Page 64]

Upon me, Madam?

Upon you, my Lord.

There's no standing this: I have caught the infection—her tenderness dissolves me.

And should you too severely judge of a rash action which passion prompted, and modesty has long concealed—

Thou amiable crea­ture—command my heart, for it is vanquished—Speak but thy virtuous wishes, and enjoy them.

I cannot, my Lord—indeed, I cannot—Mr. Lovewell must tell you my distresses—and when you know them—pity and protect me!—

How the devil could I bring her to this? It is too much—too much—I can't bear it—I must give way to this amiable weakness—

My heart overflows with sympathy, and I feel every tenderness I have inspired—

How blind have I been to the desolation I have made!—How could I possibly imagine that a little partial attention and ten­der civilities to this young creature should have ga­thered to this burst of passion! Can I be a man and withstand it? No—I'll sacrifice the whole sex to her.—But here comes the father, quite apropos. I'll open the matter immediately, settle the business with him, and take the sweet girl down to Ogleby-house to-morrow morning—But what the devil! Miss Ster­ling too! What mischief's in the wind now?

My Lord, your servant! I am attending my daughter here upon rather a disagreeable affair. Speak to his Lordship, Betsey!

Your eyes, Miss Sterling—for I always read the eyes of a young lady—betray some little emo­tion—What are your commands, Madam?

[Page 65]

I have but too much cause for my emo­tion, my Lord!

I cannot commend my kinsman's beha­viour, Madam. He has behaved like a false knight, I must confess. I have heard of his apostacy. Miss Fanny has informed me of it.

Miss Fanny's baseness has been the cause of Sir John's inconstancy.

Nay, now, my dear Miss Sterling, your passion transports you too far. Sir John may have entertain'd a passion for Miss Fanny, but believe me, my dear Miss Sterling, believe me, Miss Fanny has no passion for Sir John. She has a passion, indeed, a most tender passion. She has opened her whole soul to me, and I know where her affections are placed.

Not upon Mr. Lovewell, my Lord; for I have great reason to think that her seeming at­tachment to him, is, by his consent, made use of as a blind to cover her designs upon Sir John.

Lovewell! No, poor lad! She does not. think of him.

Have a care, my Lord, that both the families are not made the dupes of Sir John's artifice and my sister's dissimulation! You don't know her—indeed, my Lord, you don't know her—a base, insi­nuating, persidious!—It is too much—She has been beforehand with me, I perceive. Such unnatural be­haviour to me!—But since I see I can have no re­dress, I am resolved that some way or other I will have revenge.

This is foolish work, my Lord▪

I have too much sensibility to bear the tears of beauty.

It is touching indeed, my Lord—and very moving for a father.

To be sure, Sir!—You must be distrest beyond measure!—Wherefore, to divert your too ex­quisite [Page 66] feelings, suppose we change the subject, and proceed to business.

With all my heart, my Lord!

You see, Mr. Sterling, we can make no union in our families by the propos'd marriage.

And very sorry I am to see it, my Lord.

Have you set your heart upon being al­lied to our house, Mr. Sterling?

'Tis my only wish, at present, my omnium, as I may call it.

Your wishes shall be fulfill'd.

Shall they, my Lord!—but how—how?

I'll marry in your family.

What! my sister Heidelberg?

You throw me into a cold sweat, Mr. Sterling. No, not your sister—but your daughter.

My daughter!

Fanny!—now the murder's out!

What you, my Lord?—

Yes—I, I, Mr. Sterling!

No, no, my Lord—that's too much.

Too much?—I don't comprehend you.

What, you, my Lord, marry my Fanny!—Bless me, what will the folks say?

Why, what will they say?

That you're a bold man, my Lord—that's all.

Mr. Sterling, this may be city wit for ought I know—Do you court my alliance?

To be sure, my Lord.

Then I'll explain.—My nephew won't marry your eldest daughter—nor I neither—Your youngest daughter won't marry him—I will marry your youngest daughter—

What! with a younger daughter's fortune, my Lord?

With any fortune, or no fortune at all, Sir. Love is the idol of my heart, and the daemon interest sinks before him. So, Sir, as I said before, [Page 67] I will marry your youngest daughter; your youngest daughter will marry me.—

Who told you so, my Lord?

Her own sweet self, Sir.

Indeed?

Yes, Sir: our affection is mutual; your advantage double and treble—your daughter will be a Countess directly—I shall be the happiest of beings—and you'll be father to an Earl instead of a Baronet.

But what will my sister say?—and my daugh­ter?

I'll manage that matter—nay, if they won't consent, I'll run away with your daughter in spite of you.

Well said, my Lord!—your spirit's good—I wish you had my constitution!—but if you'll ven­ture, I have no objection, if my sister has none.

I'll answer for your sister, Sir. Apropos! the lawyers are in the house—I'll have articles drawn, and the whole affair concluded to-morrow morning.

Very well: and I'll dispatch Lovewell to London immediately for some fresh papers I shall want, and I shall leave you to manage matters with my sister. You must excuse me, my Lord, but I can't help laughing at the match—He! he! he! what will the folks say?

What a fellow am I going to make a fa­ther of?—He has no more feeling than the post in his warehouse—But Fanny's virtues tune me to rap­ture again, and I won't think of the rest of the family.

I beg your Lordship's pardon, my Lord; are you alone, my Lord?

No, my Lord, I am not alone! I am in company, the best company.

My Lord!

[Page 68]

I never was in such exquisite enchanting company since my heart first conceived, or my senses tasted pleasure.

Where are they, my Lord?

In my mind, Sir.

What company have you there, my Lord?

My own ideas, Sir, which so croud upon my imagination, and kindle it to such a delirium of extasy, that wit, wine, musick, poetry, all combined, and each perfection, are but mere mortal shadows of my felicity.

I see that your Lordship is happy, and I rejoice at it.

You shall rejoice at it, Sir; my felicity shall not selfishly be confined, but shall spread its in­fluence to the whole circle of my friends. I need not say, Lovewell, that you shall have your share of it.

Shall I, my Lord?—then I understand you—you have heard—Miss Fanny has inform'd you—

She has—I have heard, and she shall be happy—'tis determin'd.

Then I have reached the summit of my wishes—And will your Lordship pardon the folly?

O yes, poor creature, how could she help it?—'Twas unavoidable—Fate and necessity.

It was indeed, my Lord—Your kindness distracts me.

And so it did the poor girl, faith.

She trembled to disclose the secret, and de­clare her affections?

The world, I believe, will not think her affections ill placed.

You are too good, my Lord.—And do you really excuse the rashness of the ac­tion?

From my very soul, Lovewell.

Your generosity overpowers me.—

—I was afraid of her meeting with a cold reception.

[Page 69]

She's a fine girl, Lovewell.

Her beauty, my Lord, is her least merit. She has an understanding—

Her choice convinces me of that.

That's your Lordship's good­ness. Her choice was a disinterested one.

No—no—not altogether—it began with interest, and ended in passion.

Indeed, my Lord, if you were acquainted with her goodness of heart, and generosity of mind, as well as you are with the inferior beauties of her face and person—

I am so perfectly convinced of their existence, and so totally of your mind touching every amiable particular of that sweet girl, that were it not for the cold unfeeling impediments of the law, I would marry her to-morrow morning.

My Lord!

I would, by all that's honourable in man, and amiable in woman.

Marry her!—Who do you mean, my Lord?

Miss Fanny Sterling, that is—the Coun­tess of Ogleby that shall be.

I am astonished.

Why, could you expect less from me?

I did not expect this, my Lord.

Trade and accounts have destroyed your feeling.

No, indeed, my Lord.

The moment that love and pity en­tered my breast, I was resolved to plunge into ma­trimony, and shorten the girl's tortures—I never do any thing by halves; do I, Lovewell?

No, indeed, my Lord—

—What an accident!

[Page 70]

What's the matter, Lovewell? thou seem'st to have lost thy faculties. Why don't you wish me joy, man?

O, I do, my Lord.

She said, that you would explain what she had not power to utter—but I wanted no inter­preter for the language of love.

But has your Lordship considered the consequences of your resolution?

No, Sir; I am above consideration, when my desires are kindled.

But consider the consequences, my Lord, to your nephew, Sir John.

Sir John has considered no conse­quences himself, Mr. Lovewell.

Mr. Sterling, my Lord, will certainly re­fuse his daughter to Sir John.

Sir John has already refused Mr. Ster­ling's daughter.

But what will become of Miss Sterling, my Lord?

What's that to you?—You may have her, if you will.—I depend upon Mr. Sterling's city­philosophy, to be reconciled to Lord Ogleby's being his son-in-law, instead of Sir John Melvil, Baronet. Don't you think that your master may be brought to that, without having recourse to his calculations? Eh, Lovewell!

But, my Lord, that is not the ques­tion.

Whatever is the question, I'll tell you my answer.—I am in love with a fine girl, whom I resolve to marry.

What news with you, Sir John?—You look all hurry and impatience—like a messenger after a battle.

After a battle, indeed, my Lord.—I have this day had a severe engagement, and wanting your Lordship as an auxiliary, I have at last muster­ed [Page 71] up resolution to declare, what my duty to you and to myself have demanded from me some time.

To the business then, and be as con­cise as possible; for I am upon the wing—eh, Lovewell?

I find 'tis in vain, my Lord, to struggle against the force of inclination.

Very true, Nephew—I am your wit­ness, and will second the motion—shan't I, Love­well?

Your Lordship's generosity encourages me to tell you—that I cannot marry Miss Sterling.

I am not at all surpriz'd at it—she's a bitter potion, that's the truth of it; but as you were to swallow it, and not I, it was your business, and not mine—any thing more?

But this, my Lord—that I may be per­mitted to make my addresses to the other sister.

O yes—by all means—have you any hopes there, Nephew?—Do you think he'll succeed, Lovewell?

I think not, my Lord.

I think so too, but let the fool try.

Will your Lordship favour me with your good offices to remove the chief obstacle to the match, the repugnance of Mrs Heidelberg?

Mrs. Heidelberg▪—Had not you better begin with the young lady first? it will save you a great deal of trouble; won't it, Lovewell?—

—but do what you please, it will be the same thing to me—won't it, Lovewell?—

—Why don't you laugh at him?

I do, my Lord.

And you Lordship will endeavour to prevail on Mrs. Heidelberg to consent to my mar­riage with Miss Fanny?

I'll go and speak to Mrs. Heidelberg, about the adorable Fanny, as soon as possible.

[Page 72]

Your generosity transports me.

Poor fellow, what a dupe! he little thinks who's in possession of the town.

And your Lordship is not offended at this seeming inconstancy.

Not in the least. Miss Fanny's charms will even excuse infidelity—I look upon women as the ferae naturae,—lawfull game—and every man who is qualified, has a natural right to pursue them; Love­well as well as you, and I as well as either of you.—Every man shall do his best, without offence to any—what say you, kinsmen?

You have made me happy, my Lord.

And me, I assure you, my Lord.

And I am superlatively so— allons donc—to horse and away, boys!—you to your affairs, and I to mine—suivons l'amour!

SCENE I. Fanny's apartment.

WHY did you come so soon, Mr. Love­well? the family is not yet in bed, and Betty certainly heard somebody listening near the chamber-door.

My mistress is right, Sir! evil spirits are abroad; and I am sure you are both too good, not to expect mischief from them.

But who can be so curious, or so wicked?

I think we have wickedness, and curiosity enough in this family, Sir, to expect the worst.

I do expect the worst.—Prithee, Betty, return to the outward door, and listen if you hear [Page 73] any body in the gallery; and let us know di­rectly.

I warrant you, Madam—the Lord bless you both!

What did my father want with you this evening?

He gave me the key of his closet, with orders to bring from London some papers relating to Lord Ogleby.

And why did not you obey him?

Because I am certain that his Lordship has open'd his heart to him about you, and those papers are wanted merely on that account—but as we shall discover all to-morrow, there will be no oc­casion for them, and it would be idle in me to go.

Hark!—hark! bless me, how I tremble!—I feel the terrors of guilt—indeed, Mr. Lovewell, this is too much for me.

And for me too, my sweet Fanny. Your apprehensions make a coward of me.—But what can alarm you? your aunt and sister are in their cham­bers, and you have nothing to fear from the rest of the family.

I fear every body, and every thing, and every moment—My mind is in continual agitation and dread;—indeed, Mr. Lovewell, this situation may have very unhappy consequences.

But it shan't—I would rather tell our story this moment to all the house, and run the risque of maintaining you by the hardest labour, than suffer you to remain in this dangerous per­plexity.—What! shall I sacrifice all my best hopes and affections, in your dear health and safety, for the mean, and in such a case, the meanest consideration—of our fortune! Were we to be abandon'd by all our relations, we have that in our hearts and minds, will weigh against the most affluent circumstances.—I should not have propos'd the secrecy of our mar­riage, but for your sake; and with hopes that the [Page 74] most generous sacrifice you have made to love and me, might be less injurious to you, by waiting a lucky moment of reconciliation.

Hush! hush! for heav'n sake, my dear Lovewell, don't be so warm!—your generosity gets the better of your prudence; you will be heard, and we shall be discovered.—I am satisfied, indeed I am.—Excuse this weakness, this delicacy—this what you will.—My mind's at peace—indeed it is—think no more of it, if you love me!

That one word has charm'd me, as it al­ways does, to the most implicit obedience; it would be the worst of ingratitude in me to distress you a moment.

I'm sorry to disturb you.

Ha! what's the matter?

Have you heard any body?

Yes, yes, I have, and they have heard you too, or I am mistaken—if they had seen you too, we should have been in a fine quandary.

Prithee don't prate now, Betty!

What did you hear?

I was preparing myself, as usual, to take me a little nap.

A nap!

Yes, Sir, a nap; for I watch much better so than wide awake; and when I had wrap'd this handkerchief round my head, for fear of the ear­ach, from the key-hole I thought I heard a kind of a sort of a buzzing, which I first took for a gnat, and shook my head two or three times, and went so with my hand—

Well—well—and so—

And so, Madam, when I heard Mr. Love­well a little loud, I heard the buzzing louder too—and pulling off my handkerchief softly—I could hear this sort of noise—

Well, and what did they say?

[Page 75]

Oh! I cou'd not understand a word of what was said.

The outward door is lock'd?

Yes; and I bolted it too, for fear of the worst.

Why did you? they must have heard you, if they were near.

And I did it on purpose, Madam, and cough'd a little too, that they might not hear Mr. Lovewell's voice—when I was silent, they were silent, and so I came to tell you.

What shall we do?

Fear nothing; we know the worst▪ it will only bring on our catastrophe a little too soon—but Betty might fancy this noise—she's in the con­spiracy, and can make a man of a mouse at any time.

I can distinguish a man from a mouse, as well as my betters—I am sorry you think so ill of me, Sir.

He compliments you, don't be a fool!—Now you have set her tongue a running, she'll mutter for an hour.

I'll go and hearken my­self.

I'll turn my back upon no girl, for sincerity and service.

Thou art the first in the world for both; and I will reward you soon, Betty, for one and the other.

I'm not marcenary neither—I can live on a little, with a good carreter.

All seems quiet—suppose, my dear, you go to your own room—I shall be much easier then—and to-morrow we will be prepared for the discovery.

You may discover, if you please; but, for my part, I shall still be secret.

Should I leave you now,—if they still are upon the watch, we shall lose the advantage of our delay.—Besides, we should consult upon to-morrow's business,—Let Betty go to her own room, and lock [Page 76] the outward door after her; we can fasten this; and when she thinks all safe, she may return and let me out as usual.

Shall I, Madam?

Do! let me have my way to-night, and you shall command me ever after.—I would not have you surprized here for the world.—Pray leave me! I shall be quite myself again, if you will oblige me.

I live only to oblige you, my sweet Fanny! I'll be gone this moment.

Let us listen first at the door, that you may not be intercepted.—Betty shall go first, and if they lay hold of her—

They'll have the wrong sow by the ear, I can tell them that.

Softly—softly—Betty! don't venture out, if you hear a noise.—Softly, I beg of you!—See, Mr. Lovewell, the effects of indiscretion!

But love, Fanny, makes amends for all.

SCENE changes to a gallery, which leads to several bed-chambers.

This way, dear Madam, and then I'll tell you all.

Nay, but Niece—consider a little—don't drag me out in this figur—let me put on my fly-cap!—if any of my Lord's fammaly, or the coun­sellors at law, should be stirring, I should be per­digus disconcarted.

But, my dear Madam, a moment is an age, in my situation. I am sure my sister has been plotting my disgrace and ruin in that chamber—O she's all craft and wickedness!

Well, but softly, Betsey!—you are all in emotion—your mind is too much flustrated—you [Page 77] can neither eat nor drink, nor take your natural rest—compose yourself, child; for if we are not as wary­some as they are wicked, we shall disgrace ourselves and the whole fammaly.

We are disgrac'd already, Madam—Sir John Melvil has forsaken me; my Lord cares for nobody but himself; or, if for any body, it is my sister; my father, for the sake of a better bargain, would marry me to a 'Change-broker; so that if you, Madam, don't continue my friend—if your for­sake me—if I am to lose my best hopes and conso­lation—in your tenderness—and affect—ions—I had better—at once—give up the matter—and let my sister enjoy—the fruits of her treachery—trample with scorn upon the rights of her elder sister, the will of the best of aunts, and the weakness of a too interested father.

Don't Betsey—keep up your spurrit—I hate whimpering—I am your friend—depend upon me in every partickler—but be composed, and tell me what new mischief you have discover'd.

I had no desire to sleep, and would not undress myself, knowing that my Machiavel sister would not rest till she had broke my heart:—I was so uneasy that I could not stay in my room, but when I thought that all the house was quiet, I sent my maid to discover what was going forward; she immediately came back and told me that they were in high consultation; that she had heard only, for it was in the dark, my sister's maid conduct Sir John Melvil to her mistress, and then lock the door.

And how did you conduct yourself in this dalimma?

I return'd with her, and could hear a man's voice, though nothing that they said distinctly; and you may depend upon it, that Sir John is now in that room, that they have settled the matter, and [Page 78] will run away together before morning, if we don't prevent them.

Why the brazen slut! has she got her sister's husband (that is to be) lock'd up in her chamber! at night too?—I tremble at the thoughts▪

Hush, Madam! I hear something.

You frighten me—let me put on my fly cap—I would not be seen in this figur for the world.

'Tis dark, Madam; you can't be seen.

I protest there's a candle coming, and a man too.

Nothing but servants; let us retire a moment!

Be quiet Mr. Brush; I shall drop down with terror!

But my sweet, and most amiable chamber­maid, if you have no love, you may hearken to a little reason; that cannot possibly do your virtue any harm.

But you will do me harm, Mr. Brush, and a great deal of harm too—pray let me go—I am ruin'd if they hear you—I tremble like an asp.

But they shan't hear us—and if you have a mind to be ruin'd, it shall be the making of your fortune, you little slut, you!—therefore I say it again, if you have no love—hear a little reason!

I wonder at your impurence, Mr. Brush, to use me in this manner; this is not the way to keep me company, I assure you.—You are a town rake I see, and now you are a little in liquor, you fear nothing.

Nothing, by heav'ns, but your frowns, most amiable chamber-maid; I am a little electrified, that's the truth on't; I am not used to drink Port, and [Page 79] your master's is so heady, that a pint of it oversets a claret-drinker.

Don't be rude! bless me!—I shall be ruin'd—what will become of me?

I'll take care of you, by all that's hon­ourable.

You are a base man to use me so—I'll cry out, if you don't let me go—that is Miss Sterling's chamber, that Miss Fanny's, and that Madam Hei­delberg's.

And that my Lord Ogleby's, and that my Lady what d'ye call'em: I don't mind such folks when I'm sober, much less when I am whimsical—rather above that too.

More shame for you, Mr. Brush!—you terrify me—you have no modesty.

O but I have, my sweet spider-brusher!—for instance, I reverence Miss Fanny—she's a most delicious morsel and fit for a prince—with all my horrors of matrimony, I could marry her myse;f—but for her sister—

There, there, Madam, all in a story!

Bless me, Mr. Brush!—I heard some­thing!

Rats, I suppose, that are gnawing the old timbers of this execrable old dungeon—If it was mine, I would pull it down, and fill your fine canal up with the rubbish; and then I should get rid of two damn'd things at once.

Law! law! how you blaspheme!—we shall have the house upon our heads for it.

No, no, it will last our time—but as I was faying, the eldest sister—Miss Jezabel—

Is a fine young lady for all your evil tongue.

No—we have smoak'd her already; and unless she marries our old Swiss, she can have none of us—no, no, she wont do—we are a little too nice.

[Page 80]

You're a monstrous rake, Mr. Brush, and don't care what you say.

Why, for that matter, my dear, I am a little inclined to mischief; and if you won't have pity upon me, I will break open that door and ravish Mrs. Heidelberg.

There's no bear­ing this—you profligate monster!

Ha! I am undone!

Zounds! here she is, by all that's mon­strous.

A fine discourse you have had with that fellow!

And a fine time of night it is to be here with that drunken monster.

What have you, to say for yourself?

I can say nothing.—I am so frighten'd, and so asham'd—but indeed I am vartuous—I am vartuous indeed.

Well, well—don't tremble so; but tell us what you know of this horrable plot here.

We'll forgive you, if you'll discover all.

Why, Madam—don't let me betray my fellow servants—I shan't sleep in my bed, if I do.

Then you shall sleep somewhere else to-morrow night.

O dear!—what shall I do?

Tell us this moment,—or I'll turn you out of doors directly.

Why our butler has been treating us below in his pantry—Mr. Brush forc'd us to make a kind of a holiday night of it.

Holiday! for what?

Nay I only made one.

Well, well; but upon what account?

Because, as how, Madam, there was a change in the family they said,—that his honour, Sir John—was to marry Miss Fanny instead of your Ladyship.

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And so you made a holiday for that.—Very fine!

I did not make it, Ma'am.

But do you know nothing of Sir John's being to run away with Miss Fanny to-night?

No, indeed, Ma'am!

Nor of his being now locked up in my sister's chamber?

No, as I hope for marcy, Ma'am.

Well, I'll put an end to all this directly—do you run to my brother Sterling—

Now, Ma'am!—'Tis so very late, Ma'am—

I don't care how late it is. Tell him there are thieves in the house—that the house is o'fire—tell him to come here immediately—go, I say!

I will, I will, though I'm frighten'd out of my wits.

Do you watch here, my dear; and I'll put myself in order, to face them. We'll plot 'em, and counter-plot 'em too.

I have as much pleasure in this revenge, as in being made a countess!—Ha! they are un­locking the door.—Now for it!

Sir, Sir!—now's your time—all's clear.

Stay, stay—not yet—we are watch'd.

And so you are, Madam Betty!

What's the matter, Madam?

Nay, that you shall tell my father and aunt, Madam.

I am no tell-tale, Madam, and no thief they'll get nothing from me.

You have a great deal of courage, [Page 82] Betty; and considering the secrets you have to keep, you have occasion for it.

My mistress shall never repent her good opinion of me, Ma'am.

What is all this? what's the matter? why am I disturbed in this manner?

This creature, and my distresses, Sir, will explain the matter.

Now I'm prepar'd for the rancounter—well, brother, have you heard of this scene of wickedness?

Not I—but what is it? Speak!—I was got into my little closet—all the lawyers were in bed, and I had almost lost my senses in the confusion of Lord Ogleby's mortgages, when I was alarm'd with a foolish girl, who could hardly speak; and whether it's fire, or thieves, or murder, or a rape, I am quite in the dark.

No, no, there's no rape, brother!—all parties are willing, I believe.

Who's in that chamber?

My mistress.

And who is with your mistress?

Why, who should there be?

Open the door then, and let us see!

The door is open, Madam.

I'll sooner die than peach!

The door's lock'd; and she has got the key in her pocket.

There's impudence, brother! piping hot from your daughter Fanny's school!

But, zounds! what is all this about? You tell me of a sum total, and you don't produce the particulars.

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Sir John Melvil is lock'd up in your daughter's bed-chamber.—There is the particular!

The devil he is?—That's bad!

And he has been there some time too.

Ditto!

Ditto! worse and worse, I say. I'll raise the house, and expose him to my Lord, and the whole family.

By no means! we shall expose ourselves, sister!—the best way is to insure privately—let me alone!—I'll make him marry her to-morrow morning.

Make him marry her! this is beyond all patience!—You have thrown away all your affec­tion; and I shall do as much by my obedience: un­natural fathers, make unnatural children.—My re­venge is in my own power, and I'll indulge it.—Had they made their escape, I should have been exposed to the derision of the world:—but the deriders shall be derided; and so—help! help, there! thieves! thieves!

Tit-for-tat, Betsey!—you are right, my girl.

Zounds! you'll spoil all—you'll raise the whole family,—the devil's in the girl.

No, no; the devil's in you, brother. I am asham'd of your principles.—What! would you connive at your daughter's being lock'd up with her sister's husband? Help! thieves! thieves! I say.

Sister, I beg you!—daughter, I command you.—If you have no regard for me, consider your­selves!—we shall lose this opportunity of ennobling our blood, and getting above twenty per cent. for our money.

What, by my disgrace and my sister's triumph! I have a spirit above such mean conside­rations; and to shew you that it is not a low-bred, vulgar 'Change-Alley spirit—help! help! thieves! thieves! thieves! I say.

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Ay, ay, you may save your lungs—the house is in an uproar;—women at best have no dis­cretion; but in a passion they'll fire a house, or burn themselves in it, rather than not be revenged.

Eh, diable! vat is de raison of dis great noise, this tintamarre?

Ask those ladies, Sir; 'tis of their making.

Brush! Brush!—Canton! where are you?—What's the matter?

Where are you?

'Tis my Lord calls, Mr. Canton.

I com, mi Lor!—

A light! a light here!—where are the servants? Bring a light for me, and my brothers.

Lights here! lights for the gentlemen!

My brother feels, I see—your sister's turn will come next.

Ay, ay, let it go round, Madam! it is the only comfort I have left.

This way, Sir! this way, gentlemen!

Well, but, Mr. Sterling, no dan­ger I hope.—Have they made a burglarious entry?—Are you prepar'd to repulse them?—I am very much alarm'd about thieves at circuit-time.—They would be particularly severe with us gentlemen of the bar.

No danger, Mr. Sterling?—No trespass, I hope?

None, gentlemen, but of those ladies making.

You'll be asham'd to know, gentle­men, that all your labours and studies about this [Page 85] young lady are thrown away—Sir John Melvil is at this moment lock'd up with this lady's younger sister.

The thing is a little extraordinary, to be sure—but, why were we to be frighten'd out of our beds for this? Could not we have try'd this cause to-morrow morning?

But, Sir, by to-morrow morning, per­haps, even your assistance would not have been of any service—the birds now in that cage would have flown away.

I had rather lose a limb than my night's rest—what's the matter with you all?

Ay, ay, 'tis all over!—Here's my Lord too.

What is all this shrieking and scream­ing?—Where's my angelick Fanny. She's safe, I hope!

Your angelick Fanny, my Lord, is lock'd up with your angelick nephew in that chamber.

My nephew! then will I be excom­municated.

Your nephew, my Lord, has been plotting to run away with the younger sister; and the younger sister has been plotting to run away with your nephew: and if we had not watch'd them and call'd up the fammaly, they had been upon the scamper to Scotland by this time.

Look'ee, ladies!—I know that Sir John has conceiv'd a violent passion for Miss Fanny; and I know too that Miss Fanny has conceiv'd a violent passion for another person; and I am so well convinc'd of the rectitude of her affections, that I will support them with my fortune, my honour, and my life.—Eh, shant I, Mr. Sterling?

what say you?—

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To be sure, my Lord.—These bawling women have been the ruin of every thing.

But come, I'll end this business in a trice—if you, ladies, will compose yourselves, and Mr. Sterling will insure Miss Fanny from violence, I will engage to draw her from her pillow with a whisper thro' the keyhole.

The horrid creatures!—I say, my Lord, break the door open.

Let me beg of your delicacy not to be too precipitate!—Now to our experiment!

Now, what will they do?—my heart will beat thro' my bosom.

There's no occasion for breaking open doors, my Lord; we have done nothing that we ought to be asham'd of, and my mistress shall face her enemies.—

There's impudence.

The mystery thickens. Lady of the bed-chamber!

open the door, and intreat Sir John Melvil (for these ladies will have it that he is there,) to appear and answer to high crimes and mis­demeanors.—Call Sir John Melvil into the court!

I am here, my Lord.

Heyday!

Astonishment!

What is all this alarm and confusion? there is nothing but hurry in the house; what is the reason of it?

Because you have been in that chamber; have been! nay you are there at this moment, as these ladies have protested, so don't deny it—

This is the clearest Alibi I ever knew, Mr. Serjeant.

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Luce clarius.

Upon my word, ladies, if you have often these frolicks, it would be really entertaining to pass a whole summer with you. But come,

open the door, and intreat your amiable mistress to come forth, and dispel all our doubts with her smiles.

Madam, you are wanted in this room.

You see she's ready dress'd—and what confusion she's in!

Ready to pack off, bag and baggage!—her guilt confounds her!—

Silence in the court, ladies!

I am confounded, indeed, Madam!

Don't droop, my beauteous lilly! but with your own peculiar modesty declare your state of mind.—Pour conviction into their ears, and raptures into mine.

I am at this moment the most unhappy—most distrest—the tumult is too much for my heart—and I want the power to reveal a secret, which to con­ceal has been the misfortune and misery of my—my—

She faints; help, help! for the fair­est, and best of women!

O my dear mistress!—help, help, there!—

Ha! let me fly to her assistance.

My Fanny in danger! I can contain no longer.—Prudence were now a crime; all other cares are lost in this!—speak, speak, to me, my dearest Fan­ny!—let me but hear thy voice, open your eyes, and bless me with the smallest sign of life!

Lovewell!—I am easy.—

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I am thunderstuck!

I am petrify'd!

And I undone!

O Lovewell!—even supported by thee, I dare not look my father nor his Lordship in the face.

What now! did not I send you to London, Sir?

Eh!—What!—How's this?—by what right and title have you been half the night in that lady's bed-chamber?

By that right that makes me the happiest of men; and by a title which I would not forego, for any the best of kings could give me.

I could cry my eyes out to hear his mag­nimity.

I am annihilated!

I have been choaked with rage and won­der; but now I can speak.—Zounds, what have you to say to me?—Lovewell, you are a villain.—You have broke your word with me.

Indeed, Sir, he has not—You forbad him to think of me, when it was out of his power to obey you; we have been married these four months.

And he shan't stay in my house four hours. What baseness and treachery! As for you, you shall repent this step as long as you live, Madam.

Indeed, Sir, it is impossible to conceive the tortures I have already endured in consequence of my disobedience. My heart has continually upbraided me for it; and though I was too weak to struggle with affection, I feel that I must be miserable for ever with­out your forgiveness.

Lovewell, you shall leave my house di­rectly;—and you shall follow him, Madam.

And if they do, I will receive them into mine. Look ye, Mr. Sterling, there have been some [Page 89] mistakes, which we had all better forget for our own sakes; and the best way to forget them is to forgive the cause of them; which I do from my soul.—Poor girl! I swore to support her affection with my life and fortune;—'tis a debt of honour, and must be paid—you swore as much too, Mr. Sterling; but your laws in the city will excuse you, I suppose; for you never strike a ballance without errors excepted.

I am a father, my Lord; but for the sake of all other fathers, I think I ought not to forgive her, for fear of encouraging other silly girls like herself to throw themselves away without the consent of their parents.

I hope there will be no danger of that, Sir. Young ladies with minds, like my Fanny's, would startle at the very shadow of vice; and when they know to what uneasiness only an indiscretion has exposed her, her example, instead, of encouraging, will rather serve to deter them.

Indiscretion, quoth a! a mighty pretty delicat word to express disobedience!

For my part, I indulge my own passions too much to tyrannize over those of other people. Poor souls, I pity them. And you must forgive them too. Come, come, melt a little of your flint, Mr. Sterling!

Why, why—as to that, my Lord—to be sure he is a relation of yours my Lord—what say you, sister Heidelberg?

The girl's ruined, and I forgive her.

Well—so do I then.—Nay, no thanks—

there's an end of the matter.

But, Lovewell, what makes you dumb all this while?

Your kindness, my Lord—I can scarce believe my own senses—they are all in a tumult of fear, joy, love, expectation, and gratitude; I ever was, and am now more bound in duty to your Lord­ship; [Page 90] for you, Mr. Sterling, if every moment of my life, spent gratefully in your service, will in some measure compensate the want of fortune, you perhaps will not repent your goodness to me. And you, ladies, I flatter myself, will not for the future suspect me of artifice and intrigue—I shall be happy to oblige, and serve you.—As for you, Sir John—

No apologies to me, Lovewell, I do not deserve any. All I have to offer in excuse for what has happened, is my total ignorance of your situa­tion. Had you dealt a little more openly with me, you would have saved me, and yourself, and that lady, (who I hope will pardon my behaviour) a great deal of uneasiness. Give me leave, however, to assure you, that light and capricious as I may have ap­peared, now my infatuation is over, I have sensibility enough to be ashamed of the part I have acted, and honour enough to rejoice at your happiness.

And now, my dearest Fanny, though we are seemingly the happiest of beings, yet all our joys will be dampt, if his Lordship's generosity and Mr. Sterling's forgiveness should not be succeeded by the indulgence, approbation, and consent of these our best benefactors.