Enter JOHN.

Mrs Oak. Where's your master?

John. Gone out, madam.

Mrs Oak. Why did not you go with him? John. Because he went out in the major's chariot, madam.

Mrs Oak. Where did they go to ?

John. To the major's, I suppose, madam. Mrs Oak. Suppose! Don't you know? John. I believe so, but cann't tell for certain, indeed, madam.

Mrs Oak. Believe and suppose!-and don't know, and cann't tell!-You are all fools.Go about your business. [JOHN going]-Come here. [Returns]-Go to the major's-no-it does not signify-go along. [JOHN going.] Yes, hark'e, [Returns.] go to the major's, and see if your master is there.

-

John. Give your compliments, madam? Mrs Oak. My compliments, blockhead! Get along, [JOHN going.] Come hither. [Returns.] Cann't you go to the major's, and bring me word if Mr Oakly is there, without taking any further notice?

John. Madam, my master is this moment returned with Major Oakly, and my young master, and the lady that was here yesterday.

Mrs Oak. Very well. [Exit JOHN.] Returned! yes, truly, he is returned-and in a very extraordinary manner. This is setting me at open defiance. But I'll go down, and shew them I have too much spirit to endure such usage.-[Going.]—Or stayI'll not go amongst his company-I'll go out.Toilet!

Toil. Ma'am.

Mrs Oak. Order the coach, I'll go out. [TOILET going.]- -Toilet, stay,-I'll e'en go down to them -No.-Toilet!

Toil. Ma'am.

Mrs Oak. Order me a boil'd chicken-I'll | not go down to dinner. I'll dine in my own room, and sup there I'll not see his face this three days, [Exeunt.

SCENE III.-Changes to another Room. Enter OAKLY, Major OAKLY, CHARLES, and HARRIOT.

Char. My dear Harriot, do not make yourself

so uneasy.

Har. Alas! I have too much cause for my uneasiness. Who knows what that vile lord has done with my father?

Oak. Be comforted, madam: we shall soon hear of Mr Russet, and all will be well I dare say.

Har. You are too good to me, sir :——But I can assure you, I am not a little concerned on your account as well as my own; and if I did not flatter myself with hopes of explaining every thing to Mrs Oakly's satisfaction, I should never forgive myself for having disturbed the peace of such a worthy family.

Maj. Don't mind that, madam; they'll be very good friends again. This is nothing among married people.- 'Sdeath, here she is!-No,-it's

only Mrs Toilet.

Enter TOILET.

Oak. Well, Toilet, what now? [TOILET whispers.] Not well?-Cann't come down to dinner?Wants to see me above?-Hark'e, brother, what shall I do?

Maj. If you go, you're undone.

Har. Go, sir; go to Mrs Oakly-Indeed you had better

Maj. 'Sdeath, brother! don't budge a footThis is all fractiousness and ill-humour

Oak. No, I'll not go.-Tell her I have company, and we shall be glad to see her here. [Exit TOILET. Maj. That's right.

Oak. Suppose I go and watch how she proceeds? Maj. What d'ye mean? You would not go to her? Are you mad?

Oak. By no means go to her-I only want to know how she takes it. I'll lie perdue in my study, and observe her motions.

Maj. I don't like this pitiful ambuscade work— this bush-fighting. Why cann't you stay here? -Ay, ay!-I know how it will be-She'll come bounce in upon you with a torrent of anger and passion, or, if necessary, a whole flood of tears, and carry all before her at once.

Oak. You shall find that you're mistaken, major, -Don't imagine that because I wish not to be void of humanity, that I am destitute of resolution. Now I am convinced I'm in the right, I'll support that right with ten times your steadiness. Maj. You talk this well, brother. Oak. I'll do it well, brother. Maj. If you don't, you're undone. Oak. Never fear, never fear. Maj. Well, Charles.

[Exit.

Char. I cann't bear to see my Harriot so uneasy. I'll go immediately in quest of Mr Russet. Perhaps I may learn at the inn where his lordship's ruffians have carried him.

Rus. [Without.] Here? Yes, yes, I know she's here well enough. Come along, Sir Harry, come along,

Har. He's here!-My father! I know his voice, Where is Mr Oakly? O now, good sir. [To the Major.] Do but pacify him, and you'll be a friend indeed.

Rus. Death and the devil! I shall go distracted. My daughter plotting against me-the

BEAGLE.

L. Trink. There, sir,-I told you it was so. Rus. Ay, ay, it is too plain.--O you provoking slut! Elopement after elopement! And at last to have your father carried off by violence! To endanger my life! Zounds! I am so angry, I dare not trust myself within reach of you.

Char. I can assure you, sir, that your daughter is entirely

Rus. You assure me? You are the fellow that has perverted her mind-That has set my own child against me

I'll have

Char. If you will but hear me, sirRus. I won't hear a word you say. my daughter-I won't hear a word. Maj. Nay, Mr Russet, hear reason. If you will but have patience

Rus. I'll have no patience-I'll have my daughter, and she shall marry Sir Harry to-night.

L. Trink. That is dealing rather too much en cavalier with me, Mr Russet, 'pon honour. You take no notice of my pretensions, though my rank and family

Rus. What care I for rank and family? I don't want to make my daughter a rantipole woman of quality. I'll give her to whom I please. Take her away, Sir Harry; she shall marry you to-night. Har. For Heaven's sake, sir, hear me but a mo

ment.

fall most deservedly.

Sir H. Ay, ay, that's right. Put the saddle on the right horse, my buck!

Rus. Well, sir!-What d'ye say?-Speak. -I don't know what to do

Maj. I'll speak the truth, let who will be offend ed by it.- I have proof presumptive and positive for you, Mr Russet. From his lordship's behaviour at Lady Freelove's, when my nephew rescued her, we may fairly conclude that he would stick at no measures to carry his point.-There's proof presumptive. But, sir, we can give you proof positive too-proof under his lordship's own hand, that he, likewise, was the contriver of the gross affront that has just been offered you.

Rus. Hey! how?

L. Trink. Every syllable romance, 'pon honour. Maj. Gospel, every word on't.

Char. This letter will convince you, sir!-la cousequence of what happened at Lady Freelove's, his lordship thought fit to send me a challenge; but the messenger blundered, and gave me this letter instead of it. [Giving the letter.] I have the case which inclosed it in my pocket.

L. Trink. Forgery, from beginning to end, 'pon honour.

Maj. Truth, upon my honour.-But read, read, Mr Russet, read and be convinced.

Rus. Let me see-let me see [Reading]Um-um-um-um-so, so !-um-um-umdamnation!-Wish me success-obedient slaveTrinket.-Fire and fury! How dare you do this? L. Trink. When you are cool, Mr Russet, I will explain this matter to you.

Rus. Cool! 'Sdeath and hell!-I'll never be

Rus. Well! what now?

Sir H. It was proposed, you know, to match me with Miss Harriot- -But she cann't take kindly to me. -When one has made a bad bet, it is best to hedge off, you know-and so I have e'en swopped her with Lord Trinket here for his brown horse Nabob, that he bought of Lord WhistleJacket for fifteen hundred guineas.

Rus. Swopped her? swopped my daughter for a horse? Zouns, sir, what d'ye mean?

my dear girl, is innocent at last. Say so, my Har riot; tell me you are innocent. [Embracing her. Har. I am indeed, sir; and happy beyond expression, at your being convinced of it.

Rus. I am glad on't-I am glad on't-I be lieve you, Harriot! You was always a good girl. Maj. So she is, an excellent girl!-Worth a regiment of such lords and baronets-Come, sir, finish every thing handsomely at once.Come-Charles will have a handsome fortune.

Rus. Marry!-She durst not do it.

Rus. The devil take Nabob, and yourself and Lord Trinket, and

L. Trink. Pardon! je vous demande pardon, Monsieur Russet, 'pon honour.

Rus. Well, well-since things are so love my girl.-Hark'ye, young Oakly, if you don't make her a good husband, you'll break my heart, you rogue.

Char. Do not doubt it, sir! my Harriot has reformed me altogether.

Rus. Has she?-Why then-there-Heaven bless you both-there-now there's an end onʼt.

L. Free. Lord Trinket here too! I vow I did not see your lordship before.

L. Trink. Your ladyship's most obedient slave. [Bowing. L. Free. You seem grave, my lord!-Come, come, I know there has been some difference between you and Mr Oakly-You must give me leave to be a mediator in this affair..

L. Trink. Here has been a small fracas to be sure, madam!-We are all blown, 'pon honour. L. Free. Blown! What do you mean, my lord? L. Trink. Nay, your ladyship knows that I never mind these things, and I know that they never discompose your ladyship-But things have happened a little en travers-The little billet I sent your ladyship has fallen into the hands of that gentleman-[Pointing to CHAR.] -and so-there has been a little brouillerie about it- that's all.

L. Free. You talk to me, my lord, in a very extraordinary style-If you have been guilty of any misbehaviour, I am sorry for it; but your ill conduct can fasten no imputation on me.— Miss Russet will justify me sufficiently.

Maj. Had not your ladyship better appeal to my friend Charles here?-The letter! Charles! -Out with it this instant !

Char. Yes, I have the credentials of her ladyship's integrity in my pocket. Mr Russet, the letter you read a little while ago was inclosed in this cover, which also I now think it my duty to put into your hands.

Rus. [Reading.] To the Right Honourable Lady Freelove- Sdeath and hell!-and now I recollect, the letter itself was pieced with scraps of French, and madam, and your ladyship-Fire and fury! madam, how came you to use me so? I am obliged to you then for the insult that has been offered me,

L. Free. What is all this? Your obligations to me, Mr Russet, are of a nature that

Rus. Fine obligations! I dare say I am partly

obliged to you too for the attempt on my daughter, by that thing of a lord yonder at your house. Zouns! madam, these are injuries never to be forgiven-They are the grossest affronts to me and my family-All the world shall know themZouns!-I'll—

L. Free. Mercy on me! how boisterous are these country gentlemen! Why really, Mr Russet, you rave like a man in Bedlam-I am afraid you'll beat me--and then you swear most abominably.- How can you be so vulgar?—I see the meaning of this low malice-But the reputations of women of quality are not so easily impeached-My rank places me above the scandal of little people, and I shall meet such petty insolence with the greatest ease and tranquillity. But you and your simple girl will be the sufferers.

-I had some thoughts of introducing her into the first company-But now, madam, I shall neither receive nor return your visits, and will entirely withdraw my protection from the ordinary part of the family.

[Exit.

Rus. Zouns, what impudence! that's worse than all the rest.

L. Trink. Fine presence of mind, faith!-The true French nonchalance-But, good folks, why such a deal of rout and topage about nothing at all?--If Mademoiselle Harriot had rather be Mrs Oakly than Lady Trinket--Why-I wish her joy, that's all.-Mr Russet, I wish you joy of your son-in-law-Mr Oakly, I wish you joy of the lady-and you, madam, [To HARRIOT.] of the gentleman-And, in short, I wish you all joy of one another, 'pon honour! [Exit.

Rus. There's a fine fellow of a lord now! The devil's in your London folks of the first fashion, as you call them. They will rob you of your estate, debauch your daughter, or lie with your wife -and all as if they were doing you a favour'pon honour!

Maj. Hey! what now? [Bell rings violently.
Enter OAKLY.

Oak. D'ye hear, major, d'ye hear? Maj. Zouns! what a clatter!-She'll pull down all the bells in the house.

Oak. My observations since I left you have confirmed my resolution. I see plainly, that her good-humour, and her ill-humour, her smiles, her tears, and her fits, are all calculated to play upon me.

| Maj. Did not I always tell you so? It's the way with them all--they will be rough and smooth, and hot and cold, and all in a breath.— Any thing to get the better of us.

Ŏak. She is in all moods at present, I promise you-I am at once angry and ashamed of her; and yet she is so ridiculous I cann't help laughing at her-There has she been in her chamber, fuming and fretting, and dispatching a messenger to me every two minutes-servant after servant-now she insists on my coming to hernow again she writes a note to entreat-then Toilet is sent to let me know that she is ill, absolutely dying-then, the very next minute, she'll

never see my face again-she'll go out of the house directly. [Bell rings.] Again! now the

storm rises!

Maj. It will soon drive this way then-now, brother, prove yourself a man-You have gone too far to retreat.

Maj. Ay, ay!-keep your ground!-fear nothing-up with your noble heart! Good discipline makes good soldiers; stick close to my advice, and you may stand buff to a tigressOak. Here she is, by heavens !-now, brother! Maj. And now, brother-Now or never!

Enter Mrs OAKLY.

Mrs Oak. I think, Mr Oakly, you might have had humanity enough to have come to see how I did. You have taken your leave, I suppose, of all tenderness and affection-but I'll be calm I'll not throw myself into a passion-you want to drive me out of your house-I see what you aim at, and will be aforehand with you-let me keep my temper! I'll send for a chair, and leave the house this instant.

Oak. True, my love! I knew you would not think of dining in your own chamber alone, when I had company below. You shall sit at the head of the table, as you ought to be sure, as you say, and make my friends welcome.

Mrs Oak. Excellent raillery! Look ye, Mr Oakly, I see the meaning of all this affected coolness and indifference.

Oak. My dear, consider where you areMrs Oak. You would be glad, I find, to get me out of your house, and have all your flirts about

you.

Oak. Before all this company! Fie! Mrs Oak. But I'll disappoint you, for I shall remain in it to support my due authority-As for you, Major Oakly!

Maj. Hey-day! What have I done?

Mrs Oak. I think you might find better employment, than to create divisions between married people-And you, sir

Oak. Nay, but, my dear !——————

Mrs Oak. Might have more sense, as well as tenderness, than to give ear to such idle stuffOak. Lord, lord!

Mrs Oak. You and your wise counsellor there, I suppose, think to carry all your points with me— Oak. Was ever any thing

Mrs Oak. But it won't do, sir. You shall find that I will have my own way, and that I will govern my own family.

Oak. You had better learn to govern yourself by half. Your passion makes you ridiculous. Did ever any body see so much fury and violence? affronting your best friends, breaking my peace, and disconcerting your own temper. And all for what? For nothing. 'Sdeath, madam! at these years you ought to know better.

Mrs Oak. At these years!-Very fine !-Am I to be talked to in this manner?

Oak. Perhaps I may; but they shall be quiet ones, I can assure you.

Mrs Oak. Indeed!-And do you think I am such a tame fool as to sit quietly, and bear all this? You shall know, sir, that I will resent this beha viour You shall find that I have a spirit

Oak. Of the devil.

Mrs Oak. Intolerable !-You shall find then that I will exert that spirit. I am sure I have need of it. As soon as the house is once cleared again, I'll shut my doors against all company.You sha'n't see a single soul for this month.

Oak. 'Sdeath, madam, but I will!-I'll keep open house for a year.-I'll send cards to the whole town-Mr Oakly's route!-All the world will come and I'll go among the world tooI'll be mew'd up no longer.

Mrs Oak. Provoking insolence! This is not to be endured-Look'e, Mr Oakly

Oak. And look'e, Mrs Oakly, I will have my

own way.

Mrs Oak. Nay then, let me tell you, sir― Oak. And let me tell you, madam, I will not be crossed I wont be made a fool.

Mrs Oak. Why, you won't let me speak. Oak. Why, you don't speak as you ought. Madam, madam! you sh'an't look, nor walk, nor talk, nor think, but as I please.

Mrs Oak. Was there ever such a monster! I can bear this no longer. [Bursts into tears.] 0 you vile man! I can see through your designyou cruel, barbarous, inhuman-such usage to your poor wife!you'll be the death of her. Oak. She sha'n't be the death of me, I am de termined.

Mrs Oak. That it should ever come to this!

-To be contradicted-[Sobbing]-insultedabused-hated-'tis too much-my heart will burst with-oh-oh!- -[Falls into a fit. HARRIOT, CHARLES, &c. run to her assistance.] Oak. [Interposing.] Let her alone. Har. Sir, Mrs Oakly.

Char. For Heaven's sake, sir, she will beOak. Let her alone, I say; I won't have her touched-let her alone-if her passions throw her into fits, let the strength of them carry her through them.

Har. Pray, my dear sir, let us assist her. She

Oak. Bless me, madam! your fit is very violent-take care of yourself.

Mrs Oak. Despised, ridiculed-but I'll be revenged-you shall see, sir—

Oak, Tol-de-rol loll-de-rol loll-de-rol loll.

[Singing. Mrs Oak. What, am I made a jest of? Exposed to all the world?-If there's law or justiceOak. Tol-de-rol loll-de-rol loll-de-rol loll.

[Singing. Mrs Oak. I shall burst with anger.- -Have a care, sir, you may repent this.Scorned and made ridiculous!-No power on earth shall hinder my revenge! [Going.

[Apart.

Har. [Interposing.] Stay, madam. Mrs Oak. Let me go. I cannot bear this place. Har. Let me beseech you, madam. Oak. What does the girl mean? Maj. Courage, brother! you have done wonders. [Apart. Oak. I think she'll have no more fits. [Apart. Har. Stay, madam.-Pray stay but one moment. I have been a painful witness of your uneasiness, and in great part the innocent occasion of it. Give me leave then

Mrs Oak. I did not expect indeed to have found you here again. But however

Hur. I see the agitation of your mind, and it makes me miserable. Suffer me to tell you the real truth. I can explain every thing to your sa tisfaction.

Mrs Oak. May be so-I cannot argue with you. Char. Pray, madam, hear her-for my sakefor your own-dear madam!

Mrs Oak. Well-well-proceed.

uneasy.

Oak. I shall relapse,-I cann't bear to see her so [Apart. Maj. Hush-Hush! [Apart. Har. I understand, madam, that your first alarm was occasioned by a letter from my father to your nephew.

Rus. I was in a bloody passion to be sure, madam!-The letter was not over civil, I believe I did not know but the young rogue had ruined my girl.-But it's all over now, and so

Mrs Oak. You was here yesterday, sir? Rus. Yes, I came after Harriot. I thought I should find my young madam with my young sir, here.

Mrs Oak. With Charles, did you say, sir? Rus. Ay, with Charles, madam! The young rogue has been fond of her a long time, and she of him, it seems.

Mrs Oak. I fear I have been to blame. [Aside. Rus. I ask pardon, madam, for the disturbance I made in your house.

Har. And the abrupt manner in which I came

into it demands a thousand apologies. But the occasion must be my excuse.

Mrs Oak. How have I been mistaken! [Aside.] -But did not I overhear you and Mr Oakly[TO HARRIOT. Har. Dear madam! you had but a partial hearing of our conversation. It related entirely to this gentleman.

Char. To put it beyond doubt, madam, Mr Russet and my guardian have consented to our marriage; and we are in hopes that you will not withhold your approbation.

Mrs Oak. I have no further doubt-I see you are innocent, and it was cruel to suspect youYou have taken a load of anguish off my mindand yet your kind interposition comes too lateMr Oakly's love for me is entirely destroyed.

[Weeping. [Apart. [Apart.

Oak. I must go to herMaj. Not yet!-not yet! Har. Do not disturb yourself with such apprehensions'; I am sure Mr Oakly loves you most affectionately.

Oak. I can hold no longer. [Going to her.] My affection for you, madam, is as warm as ever. Nothing can ever extinguish it. My constrained behaviour cut me to the soul-For within these few hours it has been all constrained—and it was with the utmost difficulty that I was able to support it.

Mrs Oak. O, Mr Oakly, how have I exposed myself! What low arts has my jealousy induced me to practise! I see my folly, and fear that you can never forgive me. Oak. Forgive you! -You are too good, my love!-Forgive you !-Can you forgive me?This change transports me.-Brother! Mr Russet! Charles! Harriot! give me joy!-I am the happiest man in the world.

Maj. Joy, much joy to you both! though, bythe-bye, you are not a little obliged to me for it. Did not I tell you I would cure all the disorders in your family! I beg pardon, sister, for taking the liberty to prescribe for you. My medicines have been somewhat rough, I believe, but they have had an admirable effect, and so don't be angry with your physician.

Mrs Oak. I am indeed obliged to you, and I feel

Oak. Nay, my dear, no more of this. All that's past must be utterly forgotten.

Mrs Oak. I have not merited this kindness, but it shall hereafter be my study to deserve it. Away with all idle jealousies! And since my suspicions have hitherto been groundless, I am resolved for the future never to suspect at all.

[Exeunt.