Is this your doing, sir? Never was generosity so worthily exerted.

Bel. Or so greatly overpaid.

Char. After what you have now done for this noble, but indigent family, let me not scruple to unfold the whole situation of my heart to you.-Know, then, sir, (and don't think the worse of me for the frankness of my declaration), that such is my attachment to the son of that worthy officer, whom you relieved, that the moment I am of age, and in possession of my fortune, I should hold myself the happiest of women to share it with young Dudley.

Bel. Say you so, madam? Then, let me perish if I don't love and reverence you above all womankind! and, if such is your generous resolution, never wait till you're of age; life is too short, pleasure too fugitive; the soul grows narrower every hour. I'll equip you for your escape; I'll convey you to the man of your heart, and away with you, then, to the first hospitable parson that will take you in.

Char. Ŏ blessed be the torrid zone for ever, whose rapid vegetation quickens nature into such benignity! These latitudes are made for politics and philosophy; friendship has no root in this soil. But, had I spirit to accept your offer, which is not improbable, wouldn't it be a mortifying thing for a fond girl to find herself mistaken, and sent back to her home like a vagrant? and such, for what I know, might be my case.

Bel. Then, he ought to be proscribed the society of mankind for ever.- -Ay, ay; 'tis the sham sister that makes him thus indifferent; 'twill be a meritorious office to take that girl out of the way.

Enter Servant.

Ser. Miss Dudley to wait on you, madam. Bel. Who?

Ser. Miss Dudley.

Char. What's the matter, Mr Belcour? Are you frighted at the name of a pretty girl? 'Tis the sister of him we were speaking of-Pray, admit her.

Bel. The sister! So, so! he has imposed on her, too-This is an extraordinary visit, truly !Upon my soul, the assurance of some folks is not to be accounted for. [Aside. Char. I insist upon your not running away; you'll be charmed with Louisa Dudley. Bel. Oh, yes, I am charmed with her. Char. You have seen her, then, have you? Bel. Yes, yes; I've seen her.

Char. Well, isn't she a delightful girl? Bel. Very delightful.

Char. Why, you answer as if you was in a court of justice! O' my conscience, I believe you are caught! I've a notion she has tricked you out of your heart.

Bel. I believe she has, and you out of your jewels; for, to tell you the truth, she's the very person I gave them to.

Char. You gave her my jewels! Louisa Dudley my jewels? Admirable inimitable! Oh, the sly little jade! But hush, here she comes; I don't know how I shall keep my countenance.

Enter LOUISA.

My dear, I'm rejoiced to see you: how d'ye do? I beg leave to introduce Mr Belcour, a very worthy friend of mine: I believe, Louisa, you have seen him before.

Lo. I have met the gentleman.

:

Char. You have met the gentleman! well, sir, and you have met the lady in short, you have met each other; why, then, don't you speak to each other? How you both stand! tongue-tied, and fixed as statues!- -Ha, ha, ha! Why you'll fall asleep by-and-by.

Lou. Fy upon you, fy upon you! is this fair? Bel. Upon my soul, I never looked so like a fool in my life! the assurance of that girl puts me quite down. [Aside.

Char. Sir-Mr Belcour-Was it your pleasure to advance any thing? Not a syllable. Come, Louisa, women's wit, they say, is never at a loss -Nor you neither? Speechless both-Why, you was merry enough before this lady came in. Lou. I am sorry I have been any interruption to your happiness, sir.

Bel. Madam!

Char. Madam! Is that all you can say ? But come, my dear girl, I won't tease you. Apropos, I must shew you what a present this dumb gentleman has made me: are not these handsome diamonds?

Lou. Yes, indeed, they seem very fine; but I am no judge of these things.

Char. Oh, you wicked little hypocrite! you are no judge of these things, Louisa; you have no diamonds! not you!

Lou. You know I have not, Miss Rusport: you know those things are infinitely above my reach. Char. Ha, ha, ha!

Bel. She does tell a lie with an admirable countenance, that's true enough.

Lou. What ails you, Charlotte? What impertinence have I been guilty of, that you should find it necessary to humble me at such a rate? If you are happy, long may you be so; but, surely, it can be no addition to it to make me miserable.

Char. So serious! there must be some mystery in this――Mr Belcour, will you leave us together? You see I treat you with all the familiarity of an old acquaintance already.

Bel. Oh, by all means, pray command me.Miss Rusport, I am your most obedient. By your condescension in accepting these poor trifles, I am

under eternal obligations to you-To you, Miss Dudley, I shall not offer a word on that subject: you despise finery, you have a soul above it; I adore your spirit; I was rather unprepared for meeting you here; but I shall hope for an opportunity of making myself better known to you.

[Exit. Char. Lonisa Dudley, you surprise me; I never saw you act thus before: cann't you bear a little innocent raillery before the man of your heart?

Lou. The man of my heart, madam? Be assured I never was so visionary to aspire to any man whom Miss Rusport honours with her choice. Char. My choice, my dear! Why, we are play ing at cross-purposes: how entered it into your head that Mr Belcour was the man of my choice? Lou. Why, did not he present you with those diamonds?

Char. Well, perhaps he did-and, pray, Louisa, have you no diamonds?

Lou. I diamonds, truly! Who should give me diamonds?

Char. Who, but this very gentleman? Apropos, here comes your brother.

Enter CHARLES.

I insist upon referring our dispute to him: your sister and I, Charles, have a quarrel. Belcour, the hero of your letter, has just left us-some how or other, Louisa's bright eyes have caught him; and the poor fellow's fallen desperately in love with her (don't interrupt me, hussy)-Well, that's excusable enough, you'll say; but the jest

of the story is, that this hair-brained spark, who does nothing like other people, has given her the very identical jewels which you pledged for me to Mr Stockwell; and will you believe, that this little demure slut made up a face, and squeezed out three or four hypocritical tears, because I rallied her about it?

Charles. I'm all astonishment! Louisa, tell me, without reserve, has Mr Belcour given you any diamonds?

Lou. None, upon my honour!

Charles. Has he made any professions to you? Lou. He has ; but altogether in a style so whimsical and capricious, that the best which can be said of them, is to tell you, that they seemed more the result of good spirits than good manners.

Char. Ay, ay, now the murder's out; he's in love with her, and she has no very great dislike to him; trust to my observation, Charles, for that: as to the diamonds, there's some mistake about them, and you must clear it up: three minutes conversation with him will put every thing in a right train; go, go, Charles; 'tis a brother's business; about it instantly; ten to one you'll find him over the way at Mr Stockwell's.

Charles. I confess I'm impatient to have the case cleared up. I'll take your advice, and find him out: good bye to you.

Char. Your servant; my life upon it you'll find Belcour a man of honour. Come, Louisa, let us adjourn to my dressing-room. I've a little private business to transact with you, before the old lady comes up to tea and interrupts us. [Exeunt.

SCENE I. FULMER'S House.

Enter FULMER and Mrs FULMER. Ful. PATTY, was not Mr Belcour with you? Mrs Ful. He was; and is now shut up in my chamber, in high expectation of an interview with Miss Dudley; she's at present with her brother, and 'twas with some difficulty I persuaded my hot-headed spark to wait till he has left her.

Ful. Well, child; and what then?

Mrs Ful. Why then, Mr Fulmer, I think it will be time for you and me to steal a march, and be gone.

Ful. So, this is all the fruit of your ingenious project? a shameful overthrow, or a sudden flight!

Mrs Ful. Why, my project was a mere impromptu, and can, at worst, but quicken our departure a few days; you know we had fairly outlived our credit here, and a trip to Boulogne is no ways unseasonable." Nay, never droor, man. Hark! hark! here's enough to bear charges.

[Shewing a purse. Ful. Let me see, let me see! this weighs well;

this is of the right sort: why your West Indian bled freely.

Mrs Ful. But that's not all: look here! Here are the sparklers! [Shewing the jewels.] Now, what d'ye think of my performances, eh? a foolish scheme, is not it-a silly woman?—

Ful. Thou art a Judith, a Joan of Arc, and I'll march under thy banners, girl, to the world's end. Come, let's begone; I've little to regret; my creditors may share the old books amongst them; they'll have occasion for philosophy to support their loss; they'll find enough upon my shelves: the world is my library; I read mankind -Now, Patty, lead the way. Mrs Ful. Adieu, Belcour!

SCENE II.

[Exeunt.

Enter CHARLES DUDLEY and LOUISA.

Cha. Well, Louisa, I confess the force of what you say: I accept Miss Rusport's bounty; and, when you see my generous Charlotte, tell herbut have a care! there is a selfishness even in gratitude, when it is too profuse to be over

Cha. We that are poor, Louisa, should be cautious for this reason, I would guard you against Belcour; at least, till I can unravel the mystery of Miss Rusport's diamonds. I was disappointed of finding him at Mr Stockwell's, and am now going in search of him again: he may intend ho nourably ; but, I confess to you, I am staggered; think no more of him, therefore, for the present: of this be sure, while I have life, and you have honour, I will protect you, or perish in your defence. [Exit CHA. Lou. Think of him no more! Well, I'll obey; but, if a wandering uninvited thought should creep by chance into my bosom, must I not give the harmless wretch a shelter? Oh! yes; the great artificer of the human heart knows every thread he wove into its fabric, nor puts his work to harder uses than it was made to bear: my wishes then, my guiltless ones I mean, are free: how fast they spring within me at that sentence! Down, down, ye busy creatures! Whither would you carry me e? Ah! there is one amongst you, a forward new intruder, that, in the likeness of an offending, generous man, grows into favour with my heart. Fy, fy upon it! Belcour pursues, insults me; yet, such is the fatality of my condition, that what should rouse resentment, only calls up love. Enter BELCOUR.

Bel. Alone, by all that's happy!
Lou. Ah!

Bel. Oh! shriek not, start not, stir not, loveliest creature! but let me kneel, and gaze upon your beauties!

Lou. Sir! Mr Belcour, rise! What is it you do? Bel. See, I obey you; mould me as you will, behold your ready servant! New to your country, ignorant of your manners, habits, and desires, put myself into your hands for instruction; make me only such as you can like yourself, and I shall be happy.

Lou. I must not hear this, Mr Belcour: go; should he, that parted from me but this minute, now return, I tremble for the consequence.

Bei. Fear nothing; let him come: I love you, madam; he'll find it hard to make me unsay that.

Lou. You terrify me! your impetuous temper frightens me; you know my situation; it is not generous to pursue me thus.

Bel. True; I do know your situation, your real one, Miss Dudley, and am resolved to snatch you from it: 'twill be a meritorious act. The old captain shall rejoice; Miss Rusport shall be made happy; and even he, even your beloved brother, with whose resentment you threaten me, shall, in the end, applaud and thank me. Come, thou art a dear, enchanting girl, and I'm determined not to live a minute longer without thee!

Lou. Hold! are you mad? I see you are a bold, assuming man, and know not where to stop.

Bel. Who, that beholds such beauty, can? By Heaven, you put my blood into a flame! Provoking girl! is it within the stretch of my fortune to content you? What is it you can further ask that I am not ready to grant?

Lou. Yes, with the same facility that you bestowed upon me Miss Rusport's diamonds. For shame! for shame! was that a manly story?

Bel. So! so! these devilish diamonds meet me every where-Let me perish if I meant you any harm. Oh! I could tear my tongue out for saying a word about the matter !

Lou. Go to her, then, and contradict it; till that is done, my reputation is at stake.

Bel. Her reputation! Now she has got upon that, she'll go on for ever.-What is there I will not do for your sake? I will go to Miss Rusport.

Lou. Do so; restore her own jewels to her, which, I suppose, you kept back for the purpose of presenting others to her of a greater value; but, for the future, Mr Belcour, when you would do a gallant action to that lady, don't let it be at my expence.

Bel. I see where she points: she is willing enough to give up Miss Rusport's diamonds, now she finds she shall be a gainer by the exchange. Be it so! 'tis what I wished!-[Aside.]---Well, madam, I will return Miss Rusport her own jewels, and you shall have others of tenfold their value.

Lou. No, sir; you err most widely; it is my good opinion, not my vanity, which you must bribe.

Bel. Why, what the devil would she have now? -Miss Dudley, it is my wish to obey and please you, but I have some apprehension that we mistake each other.

Lou. I think we do: tell me, then, in a few words, what is it you aim at?

Bel. In few words, then, and in plain honesty, I must tell you, so entirely am I captivated with you, that, had you but been such as it would have become me to have called my wife, I had been happy in knowing you by that name; as it is, you are welcome to partake my fortune: give me, in return, your person, give me pleasure, give me love; free, disencumbered, anti-matrimonial love!

Lou. Stand off! and let me never see you more! Bel. Hold, hold, thou dear, tormenting tantalizing girl! Upon my knees, I swear you shall not stir till you've consented to my bliss!

Lou. Unhand me, sir: O Charles! protect me, rescue me, redress me! [Exit Lov.

Enter CHARLES DUDLEY. Cha. How's this! Rise, villain, and defend yourself! Bel. Villain!

Cha. The man who wrongs that lady is a villain !—Draw!

Bel. Never fear me, young gentleman! Brand me for a coward, if I baulk you!

Cha. Yet hold! Let me not be too hasty: your name, I think, is Belcour?

Bel. Well, sir?

Cha. How is it, Mr Belcour, you have done this mean, unmanly wrong; beneath the mask of

generosity, to give this fatal stab to our domestic peace? You might have had my thanks, my blessing; take my defiance now. 'Tis Dudley speaks to you; the brother, the protector of that injured lady.

Bel. The brother? Give yourself a truer title. Cha What is it you mean?

Bel. Come, come, I know both her and you. I found you, sir, (but how, or why, I know not) in the good graces of Miss Rusport-(yes, colour at the name!) I gave you no disturbance there, never broke in upon you in that rich and plenteous quarter; but, when I could have blasted all your projects with a word, spared you, in foolish pity spared you, nor roused her from the fond credulity in which your artifice had lulled her.

Cha. No, sir, nor boasted to her of the splendid present you had made my poor Louisa-the diamonds, Mr Belcour! How was that? What can you plead to that arraignment?

Bel. You question me too late; the name of Belcour, and of villain, never met before; had you inquired of me before you uttered that rash word, you might have saved yourself or me a mortal error: now, sir, I neither give nor take an explanation; so, come on! [They fight. Enter LOUISA, and afterwards O'FLAHERTY. Lou. Hold, hold! for Heaven's sake, hold! Charles! Mr Belcour! Help! Sir, sir; make haste, they'll murder one another!

O'Fla. Hell and confusion! What's all this

uproar for? Can't you leave off cutting one another's throats, and mind what the poor girl says to you? You've done a notable thing, have not you both, to put her into such a flurry? I think o' my conscience, she's the most frighted of the

three.

Cha. Dear Louisa, recollect yourself; why did you interfere? 'Tis in your cause.

Bel. Now could I kill him for caressing her! O'Fla. O sir, your most olient! You are the gentleman I had the honour of meeting here before; you was then running off at full speed like a Calmuck; now you are tilting and driving like a Bedlamite with this lad here, that seems as mad as yourself: 'tis pity but your country had a little more employment for you both.

Bel. Mr Dudley, when you've recovered the lady, you know where I am to be found.

[Exit BEL. O'Fla. Well, then, cann't you stay where you are, and that will save the trouble of looking after you? Yon volatile fellow thinks to give a man the meeting by getting out of his way by my soul, 'tis a roundabout method that of his! But, I think he called you Dudley. Hark'e, young man, are you the son of my friend, the old captain?

Cha. I am. Help me to convey this lady to her chamber, and I shall be more at leisure to answer your questions.

O'Fla. Ay, will I: come along, pretty one. If you've had wrong done you, young man, you need look no further for a second; Dennis

O'Flaherty's your man for that: but never draw your sword before a woman, Dudley; damn it, never, while you live, draw your sword before a woman. [Breunt.

SCENE V.-Lady RUSPORT'S House.

Enter Lady RUSPORT and Servant. Ser. An elderly gentleman, who says his name is Varland, desires leave to wait on your ladyship.

Lady Rus. Shew him in; the very man I wish to see! Varland-be was Sir Oliver's solicitor, and privy to all his affairs. He brings some good tidings; some fresh mortgage, or another bond come to light; they start up every day.

Enter VARLAND.

Mr Varland, I'm glad to see you; you're heartily welcome, honest Mr Varland; you and I have not met since our late irreparable loss: how have you passed your time this age?

Vur. Truly, my lady, ill enough: I thought I must have followed good Sir Oliver.

Lady Rus. Alack-a-day, poor man! Well, Mr Varland, you find me here overwhelmed with trouble and fatigue; torn to pieces with a multiplicity of affairs; a great fortune poured upon me, unsought for and unexpected: 'twas my good father's will and pleasure it should be so, and I must submit.

Var. Your ladyship inherits under a will made in the year forty-five, immediately after Captain Dudley's marriage with your sister.

Lady Rus. I do so, Mr Varland; I do so. Var. I well remember it; I engrossed every syllable; but I am surprised to find your ladyship set so little store by this vast accession.

Lady Rus. Why, you know, Mr Varland, I am a moderate woman; I had enough before; a small matter satisfies me; and Sir Stephen Rusport (Heaven be his portion!) took care I should not want that.

Var. Very true: very true, he did so; and I am overjoyed at finding your ladyship in this dis position; for, truth to say, I was not without apprehension the news I have to communicate would have been of some prejudice to your lady. ship's tranquillity.

Lady Rus. News, sir! What news have you

for me?

Var. Nay, nothing to alarm you; a trifle, in your present way of thinking: I have a will of Sir Oliver's you have never seen.

Lady Rus. A will! Impossible! How came you by it, pray?

Var. I drew it up, at his command, in his last illness: it will save you a world of trouble; it gives his whole estate from you to his grandson, Charles Dudley.

Lady Rus. To Dudley! His estate to Charles Dudley! I cann't support it! I shall faint! You've killed me, you vile man! I shall never survive it!

Var. Look'e there, now! I protest I thought

you would have rejoiced at being clear of the encumbrance.

Lady Rus. 'Tis false; 'tis all a forgery, concerted between you and Dudley; why, else, did I never hear of it before?

Var. Have patience, my lady, and I'll tell you. -By Sir Oliver's direction, I was to deliver this will into no hands but his grandson, Dudley's: the young gentleman happened to be then in Scotland; I was dispatched thither in search of him: the hurry and fatigue of my journey brought on a fever by the way, which confined me in extreme danger for several days: upon my recovery, I pursued my journey, found young Dudley had left Scotland in the interim, and am now directed hither; where, as soon as I can find him, doubtless, I shall discharge my conscience, and fulfil my commission.

Lady Rus. Dudley, then, as yet, knows nothing of this will?

Var. Nothing; that secret rests with me. Lady Rus. A thought occurs! by this fellow's talking of his conscience, I should guess it was upon sale.-[Aside.]-Come, Mr Varland, if 'tis as you say, I must submit. I was somewhat flurried at first, and forgot myself; I ask your pardon; this is no place to talk of business; step with me into my room; we will there compare the will, and resolve accordingly-Oh! would your fever had you, and I had your paper!

SCENE VI.

[Exeunt.

me one favour.

O'Fla. Faith will I, and not think much of my generosity neither; for though it may not be in my power to do the favour you ask, look you, it can never be in my heart to refuse it.

Charles. Could this man's tongue do justice to his thoughts, how eloquent would he be ! [Aside. Char. Plant yourself, then, in that room; keep guard for a few moments, upon the enemy's motions, in the chamber beyond; and, if they should attempt a sally, stop their march a moment, till your friend here can make good his retreat down the back-stairs.

O'Fla. A word to the wise! I'm an old campaigner; make the best use of your time; and trust me for tying the old cat up to the picket.

Char. Hush! hush! not so loud.

Charles. 'Tis the office of a centinel, major, you have undertaken, rather than that of a field-offi

SCENE VII.

Enter CHARLES and CHARLOTTE., Char. Well, Charles, will you commit yourself to me for a few minutes?

Charles. Most readily; and let me, before one goes by, tender you the only payment I can ever make for your abundant generosity.

Char. Hold, hold! so vile a thing as money must not come between us. What shall I say? O Charles! O Dudley! What difficulties have you thrown upon me! Familiarly as we have lived, I shrink now at what I'm doing; and anxiously as I have sought this opportunity, my fears almost persuade me to abandon it. Charles. You alarm me.

Char. Your looks and actions have been so distant, and, at this moment, are so deterring, that, was it not for the hope that delicacy, and not disgust inspires this conduct in you, I should sink with shame and apprehension; but time presses, and I must speak-and plainly too-Were you now in possession of your grandfather's estate, as justly you ought to be; and were you inclined to seek a companion for life, should you or should you not, in that case, honour your unworthy Charlotte with your choice?

Charles. My unworthy Charlotte! So judge me Heaven, there is not a circumstance on earth so. valuable as your happiness, so dear to me as your person; but, to bring poverty, disgrace, reproach from friends, ridicule from all the world, into an open, unreserved, ingenuous heart, O upon a generous benefactress; thievishly to steal Charlotte! dear, unhappy girl, it is not to be done.

Char. Nay, now you rate too highly the poor advantages fortune alone has given me over you; how otherwise could we bring our merits to any balance! Come, my dear Charles, I have enough; make that enough still more, by sharing it with me: sole heiress of my father's fortune, a short time will put it in my disposal; in the mean while, you will be sent to join your regiment : let us prevent a separation, by setting out this very night for that happy country, where marriage still is free: carry me this moment to Belcour's lodgings.

Charles. Belcour's- -The name is ominous ! there's murder in it: bloody inexorable honour! [Aside.

Char. D'ye pause? Put me into his hands, while you provide the means for our escape: he is the most generous, the most honourable of men.

t

Charles. Honourable! most honourable! Char. Can you doubt it? Do you demur? Have you forgot your letter? Why, Belcourtwas that prompted me to this proposal, that promised to supply the means, that nobly offered his unasked assistance

VOL. IV.

2Q