Lov. Nay, nay, leave trifling, and tell me your business. Sir John. Well, but where was you, Lovewell? Lov. Walking-Writing-what signifies where I was? Sir John. 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 Lov. But your business! your business, Sir John! Sir John. Let me a little into the secrets of the family. Lov. Psha! Sir John. Poor Lovewell, he cann'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 do you think of Miss Sterling? Lov. What do I think of Miss Sterling? Sir John. Ay; what d'ye think of her? Lov. An odd question!-but I think her a smart, lively girl, full of mirth and sprightliness. Sir John. All mischief and malice, I doubt. Lov. How? Sir John. But her person-what d'ye think of that? Lot. Pretty and agreeable. Sir John. A little grisette thing. Lov. What is the meaning of all this? Sir John. I'll tell you. You must know, Lovewell, that, notwithstanding all appearances-[Seeing Lord OGLEBY, &c.] We are interruptedWhen they are gone, I'll explain. Enter Lord OGleby, Sterling, Mrs HEIDEL BERG, Miss STERLING, and FANNY. Lord Og. Great improvements indeed, Mr Sterling! wonderful improvements! The four Seasons in lead, the flying Mercury, and the bason 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. might make a voyage to the Indies in it still, if he had but a fair wind. Can. Ha, ha, ha, ha! Mrs Heidel. My brother's a little comical in his ideas, my lord !—But you'll excuse him.—I have a little Gothic 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. Lord Og. I have every moment a fresh opportunity of admiring the elegance of Mrs Heidelberg-the very flower of delicacy, and cream of politeness. Mrs Heide!. O, my lord! [Leering at Lord OG. Lord Og. O, madam! [Leering at Mrs HEIDEL. Sterl. How d'ye like these close walks, my lord? Lord Og. A most excellent serpentine! It forms a perfect maze, and winds like a true lover's knot. Sterl. Ay, here's none of your straight lines here but all taste-zig-zag-crinkum-crankum-in and out-right and left—to and againtwisting and turning like a worm, my lord! Lord Og. Admirably laid out indeed, Mr Sterling! one can hardly see an inch beyond one's nose any where in these walks.-You are a most excellent economist of your land, and make a little go a great way. It lies together in as small parcels as if it was placed in pots out at your window in Gracechurch-street. Can. Ha, ha, ha, ha! Lord Og. What d'ye laugh at, Canton ? Can. Ah! que cette similitude est drole! So clever what you say, mi lor! Lord Og. [To FANNY.] You seem mightily engaged, madam. What are those pretty hands so busily employed about? Fan. Only making up a nosegay, my lord!Will your lordship do me the honour of accepting it? [Presenting it. Lord Og. I'll wear it next my heart, madam!I see the young creature dotes on me! [Apart. Miss Sterl. Lord, sister! you've loaded his lordship with a bunch of flowers as big as the cook or the nurse carry to town, on a Monday morning, for a beau-pot.-Will your lordship give me leave to present you with this rose and a sprig of sweet-briar? Lord Og. The truest emblems of yourself, maall sweetness and poignancy.-A little jealous, poor soul! [Apart. Sterl. Now, my lord, if you please, I'll carry you to see my ruins. Sterl. 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-dam! smooth-as you see.- -Then I made a greenhouse out of the old laundry, and turned the brewhouse into a pinery.-The high octagon summerhouse, 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. Lord Og. Ay, or a bowl of punch, or a cann of flip, Mr Sterling! for it looks like a cabin in the air. If flying chairs were in use, the captain Mrs Heidel. You'll absolutely fatigue his lordship with over-walking, brother! Lord Og. Not at all, madam! We're in the garden of Eden, you know; in the region of perpetual spring, youth, and beauty. [Leering at the women. Mrs Heidel. Quite the man of qualaty, I perApart. test. Can. Take a my arm, my lor! [Lord OGLEBY leans on him. Sterl. I'll only shew his lordship my ruins, and the cascade, and the Chinese bridge, and then we'll go into breakfast. Lord Og. Ruins, did you say, Mr Sterling? Sterl. Ay, ruins, my lord! and they are reckoned very fine ones too. You would think Love. Fanny! What Fanny? Sir John. Fanny Sterling. Her sister-Is not she an angel, Lovewell? Lov. Her sister? Confusion!-You must not think of it, Sir John. them ready to tumble on your head. It has just Sir John. Not think of it? I can think of nocost me a hundred and fifty pounds to put my thing else. Nay tell me, Lovewell! was it possiruins in thorough repair. This way, if your lord-ble for me to be indulged in a perpetual intership pleases. Lord Og. [Going, stops.] What steeple's that we see yonder?-the parish church, I suppose. course with two such objects as Fanny and her sister, and not find my heart led by insensible attraction towards her?-You seem confoundedWhy don't you answer me? Lov. Indeed, Sir John, this event gives me infinite concern. -Is she not an angel, Sterl. 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 something, to terminate the pros-Lovewell? pect, you know. That's a rule in taste, my lord! Lord Og. Very ingenious, indeed! For my part, I desire no finer prospect than this I see before me. [Leering at the women.]—Simple, yet varied; bounded, yet extensive.-Get away, Canton! [Pushing away CANTON.] I want no assistance-I'll walk with the ladies. Sterl. This way, my lord! Lord Og. Lead on, sir!-We young folks here will follow you.-Madam !-Miss Sterling!Miss Fanny! I attend you. [Exit after STERLING, gallanting the ladies. Can. [Following.] He is cock o' de game, ma foy! [Exit. Sir John. 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. Lov. Be assured you may depend upon me. Sir John. You must know, then, notwithstanding all appearances, that this treaty of marriage between Miss Sterling and me will come to nothing. Lov. How! Sir John. It will be no match, Lovewell. Sir John. No. Lov. You amaze me. What should prevent it? Lov. You! wherefore? Lov. 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. Sir John. 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 chimera, 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. Lov. Another! So, so! here will be fine work. And pray, who is she? Sir John. Who is she? who can she be? but Fanny, the tender, amiable, engaging Fanny, Sir John. Why so? Lov. 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. Sir John. Never-never, Lovewell. Lov. You have gone too far to recede. A negociation, 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. Sir John. 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. Lov. 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. Sir John. 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 affection out of the family. Lov. Nay, but pr'ythee be serious, and think better of it. Sir John. I have thought better of it already, you see. Tell me honestly, Lovewell, can you blame me? Is there any comparison between them? Lov. As to that now-why that-is just—just as it may strike different people. There are many admirers of Miss Sterling's vivacity. Sir John. 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. Lov. But I see no probability of success; for, granting that Mr Sterling would have consented to it at first, he cannot listen to it now. Why did not you break this affair to the family before? Sir John. 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, could bring me to a declaration even now; and yet, I think I know Mr Sterling so well, that, strange as my proposal may Lov. But even suppose he should, which I very much doubt, I don't think Fanny herself would listen to your addresses. appear, if I can make it advantageous to him as a | her! make his addresses before my face!—I shall money transaction, as I am sure I can, he will break out before my time.--This was the meancertainly come into it. ing 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 Sir John. You are deceived a little in that par-him to solicit my wife! I cann't submit to it.— ticular. They come nearer and nearer--If I stay, it will look suspicious-It may betray us, and incense Lov. You'll find I am in the right. Sir John. I have some little reason to think him- They are here--I must go -I am otherwise. the most unfortunate fellow in the world. [Erit. Lov. You have not declared your passion to her already? Sir John. Yes, I have. Lov. Indeed!-And-and-and how did she receive it? Sir John. I think it is not very easy for me to make my addresses to any woman, without receiving some little encouragement. Lov. Encouragement! did she give you any encouragement? Sir John. 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 could see it tickled her to the soul. Lov. And did she express no surprise at your declaration? Sir John. Why, faith, to say the truth, she was a little surprised and she got away from me too, before I could thoroughly explain myself. If I should not meet with an opportunity of speaking to her, I must get you to deliver a letter for me. Lov. I!—a letter!—I had rather have nothing Sir John. 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, acquaint her verbally of my determined affection for her, and that I am resolved to ask her father's consent. Lov. As to that, I-your commands, you know--that is, if she-Indeed, Sir John, I think you are in the wrong. Sir John. Well-well-that's my concernHa! there she goes, by heaven! along that walk yonder, d'ye see! I'll go to her immediately. Lov. You are too precipitate. Consider what you are doing. Sir John. I would not lose this opportunity for the universe. Lov. Nay, pray don't go! Your violence and eagerness may overcome her spirits--The shock will be too much for her. [Detaining him. Sir John. Nothing shall prevent me.▬▬ -Ha! now she turns into another walk- -Let me go! [Breaks from him.] I shall lose her. [Going, turns back.] Be sure now to keep out of the way! If you interrupt us, I shall never forgive you. [Exit hastily. Lov. 'Sdeath! I cann't bear this. In love with my wife! acquaint me with his passion for Enter FANNY and Sir JOHN. Fan. Leave me, Sir John, I beseech you leave me! nay, why will you persist to follow me with idle solicitations, which are an affront to my character, and an injury to your own honour? Sir John. 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 entreat you not to oppose the proposals I mean to open to your father. Fun. 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 encou rage 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 begone! Sir John. Nay, stay, madam, but one moment -Your sensibility is too great.-—Engagements! what engagements have been pretended on either side more than those of family convenience? I went on in the trammels of matrimonial negociation 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 yours. Fan. Have a care, Sir John! do not mistake a depraved will for a virtuous inclination. By these common pretences of the heart, half our sex are made fools, and a greater part of yours despise them for it. Sir John. 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. Fan. You deceived yourself. If I forbore to exert a proper spirit; nay, if I did not even ex press 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 assu red, sir, woman as I am, that my vanity could reap no pleasure from a triumph that must result from the blackest treachery to her. [Going. Sir John. One word, and I have done. [Stop ping her.] 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 Fan. 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 of 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. Sir John. Do not leave me in absolute despair! Give me a glimpse of hope! [Falling on his knees. Fan. I cannot.-Pray, Sir John! [Struggling to go. Sir John. Shall this hand be given to another? [Kissing her hand.] No, I cannot endure it.My whole soul is yours, and the whole happiness of my life is in your power. Enter Miss STERLING. Fan. Ha! my sister is here. Rise, for shame, Sir John. Sir John. Miss Sterling! [Rising. Mis Ster. 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. Sir John. I am very sensible, Miss Sterling, that this may appear particular, but Miss Ster. O dear, Sir John, don't put yourself to the trouble of an apology-The thing explains itself. Sir John. 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 ! [Exit in confusion. Miss Sterl. 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? Fan. Do not upbraid me, my dear sister! Indeed I don't deserve it. Believe me, you cann't be more offended at his behaviour than I am, and I am sure it cannot make you half so miserable. Miss Sterl. 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 sly, and envious, and deceitful. Fun. Indeed you wrong me. Miss Sterl. Oh, you are all goodness, to be sure! -Did I not 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 a witness of your dissembled modesty?— -No, no, my dear! don't imagine that you can make a fool of your elder sister so easily. Fan. Sir John, I own, is to blame; but I am above the thoughts of doing you the least injury. Miss Sterl. We shall try that, madam.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. \Exit. Fan. 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 my transgression, will be previously incensed against me. My sister and my aunt will become irreconcilably my enemies, and rejoice in my disgrace.-Yet, in 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. [Exit. SCENE I.-A Hall. ACT III. [Exit. Flow. Well, gentlemen! the settling these marriage articles falls conveniently enough, almost just on the eve of the circuits.--Let me seethe 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? Trav. The day after to-morrow. Flow. 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 before I see my country clients again; so I will take the evening before me, and then currente calumò, as I say-eh, Traverse? Trav. 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. Flow. Do you expect to have much to do on the Home Circuit these assizes? Trav. Not much nisi prius business, but a good deal on the crown side, I believe. The gaols are brim full, and some of the felons in good circumstances, and likely to be tolerable clients. Let me see! I am engaged for three highway robberies, two murders, one forgery, and half a dozen larcenies, at Kingston. Flow. A pretty decent gaol-delivery!-Do you expect to bring off Darkin, for the robbery on Putney-Common? Can you make out your alibi ? Trav, Oh! no! the crown witnesses are sure to prove our identity. We shall certainly be hanged: but that don't signify.-But, Mr Ser jeant, have you much to do?-Any remarkable cause on the Midland this circuit? Flow. 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. Trav. Pray, Mr Serjeant, are you concerned in Jones and Thomas at Lincoln ? Flow. I am- -for the plaintiff. Trav. I thought so. Flow. Oh, no manner of doubt on't-luce clarius-we have no right in us—we have but one chance. Trav. What's that? Flow. Why, my Lord Chief does not go to the circuit this time, and my brother Puzzle being in the commission, the cause will come on before him. True. Ay, that may do indeed, if you can but throw dust in the eyes of the defendant's counsel. Flow. True.--Mr Trueman, I think you are concerned for Lord Ogleby in this affair? [To TRUE True. 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 interests and property lie in that part of the kingdom. Flow. Ha!-and pray, Mr Trueman, how long have you been called to the bar? True. About nine years and three quarters. Flow. Ha!-I don't know that I ever had the pleasure of seeing you before.I wish you success, young gentleman! Enter STERLING. Sterl. 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? Flow. 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 writing, 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! Sterl. But the damn'd mortgage of 60,000l. -There don't appear to be any other incumbrances, I hope ? Trav. I can answer for that, sir—and that |