Charl. Oh, then I find I have done something you think I cann't justify.

Darn. I don't say that neither; perhaps I am wrong in what I have said; but I have been so often used to ask pardon for your being in the wrong, that I am resolved henceforth never to rely on the insolent evidence of my own senses.

Charl. You don't know now, perhaps, that I think this pretty smart speech of yours is very dull; but, since that's a fault you cann't help, I will not take it ill; come now, be as sincere on your side, and tell me seriously-Is not what real business I had abroad the very thing you want to be made easy in?

Darn. If I thought you would make me easy, I would own it.

To-morrow

Charl. Now we come to the point. morning, then, I give you my word to let you know it all; till when, there is a necessity for its being a secret; and I insist upon you believing it.

Darn. But pray, madam, what am I to do with private imagination in the mean time? that is not in my power to confine; and sure you won't be offended, if, to avoid the tortures that may give me, I beg you'll trust me with the secret now.

Charl. Don't press me, for positively I will not. Darn. Will not-cannot had been a kinder termIs my disquiet of so little moment to you?

Charl. Of none, while your disquiet dares not trust the assurances I have given you. If you expect I should confide in you for life, don't let me see you

dare not take my word for a day; and, if you are wise, you'll think so fair a trial a favour.

Darn. If you intend it such-it is a favour; if not, 'tis something-so-come, let's wave the subject. Charl. With all my heart. Have you seen my brother lately?

Darn. Yes, madam; and he tells me, it seems the doctor is the man your father has resolved upon.

Charl. 'Tis so; nay, and what will more surprise you, he leaves me only to the choice of him, or of no fortune.

Darn. And may I, without offence, beg leave to know what resolution you have taken upon it?

Charl. I have not taken any; I do not know what to do; what would you advise me to?

Darn. I advise you to? nay, you are in the right to make it a question.

Charl. He says he'll settle all his estate upon him,

too.

Darn. O take it: take it, to be sure; its the fittest match in the world; you cann't do a wiser thing certainly.

Charl. 'Twill be as wise, at least, as the method you take to prevent it.

Darn. Is't possible? how can you torture me with this indifference?

Charl. Why do you insult me with such a barefaced jealousy?

Darn. Is it a crime to be concerned for what becomes of you? Has not your father openly declared

against me, in favour of another? How is it possible, at such a time, not to have a thousand fears? What though they are false and groundless, are they not still the effect of love, alarmed, and anxious to be satisfied? I have an heart that cannot bear disguises; but, when 'tis grieved, in spite of me, will shew itPray pardon me -but when I am told you went out in the utmost hurry, with some writings to a lawyer, and took the doctor's nephew with you, even in the very hour your father had proposed him as an husband, what am I to think? Can I, must I suppose my senses fail me? If I have eyes, have ears, and have an heart, must it still be a crime to think I see and hear, and feel that I am wronged?

Charl. Well, I own, it looks ill-natured now, not to shew him some concern- -but then, this jealousy. I must and will get the better of, or we shall be miserable.

Darn. Speak, Charlotte; is still my jealousy a crime?

Charl. If you still insist on it as a proof of love, then I must tell you, sir, 'tis of that kind, that only slighted hearts are pleased with when I am so reduced, perhaps I may bear it. The fact you charge me with, is true: I have been abroad; but let appearances be ever so strong, while there is a possibility that what I have done may be innocent, I won't bear a look that tells me to my face, you dare suspect me. If you have doubts, why don't you satisfy them before you see me? Can you suppose I am to stand confounded,

AЯ III. like a criminal, before you ?———Come, come, there's nothing shews so low a mind, as those grave and insolent jealousies.

Darn. However, madam, mine you won't find so low as you imagine; and, since I see your tyranny arises from your mean opinion of me, 'tis time to be myself, and disavow your power; you use it now beyond my bearing; not only impose on me to disbelieve my senses, but do it with such an imperious air, as if my manly reason were your slave, and this despicable frame that follows you, durst shew no signs of life but what you vouchsafe to give it.

Charl. You are in the right: go on-suspect me still-believe the worst you can-'tis all true-I don't justify myself. Why do you trouble me with your complaints? If you are master of that manly reason you boasted, give a manly proof of it; at once resume your liberty; despise me; go off in triumph now, like a king in a tragedy; and let me see you scorn the woman, whose overbearing falsehood would insult your senses.

Darn. Is this the end of all, then? and are those tender protestations you have made me, for such I thought them, when, with a kind reluctance, you gave me something more than hope-what all—oh, Charlotte, all come to this?

Charl. Oh, lud! I am growing silly; if I hear on, I shall tell him every thing; 'tis but another struggle, and I shall conquer it. So, you are not gone,

I see.

2

Darn. Do you then wish me gone, madam ?
Charl. Your manly reason will direct you.

Darn. This is too much-my heart can bear no more!- What, am I rooted here?

Enter SEYWARD.

Charl. At last I am relieved.-Well, Mr. Seyward, is it done?

Seyw. I did not stir from the desk till it was entirely finished.

Charl. Where's the original?

Seyw. This is it, madam.

Charl. Very well; that, you know, you must keep : but come, we must lose no time; we will examine this in the next room. -Now I feel for him. [Exit.

Darn. This is not to be borne-Pray, Mr. Charles, what private business have you with that lady? Seyw. Sir!

Darn. I must know, young man.

Seyw. Not quite so young, but I can keep a secret, and a lady's too- -you'll excuse me, sir.

[Exit.

Darn. 'Sdeath!- -I shall be laughed at by every body--I shall run distracted--this young fellow should repent his pertness, did not this house protect him. This is Charlotte's contrivance to distract -Oh!-I have love enough

me- -but-but what i

to bear this, and ten times as much.

Enter Colonel LAMBERT.

Col. Lamb. What, in raptures?