Col. O. I don't know whether I will or not. Jess. I should be glad to know, that's all, what single circumstance in my conduct, carriage, or figure, you can possibly find fault with-Perhaps I may be brought to reform-Pr'ythee, let me hear from your own mouth, then, seriously, what it is you do like, and what it is you do not like? Col. O. Hum! Jess. Be ingenuous, speak and spare not. AIR. Zounds, sir! then I'll tell you, without any jest, Who, essenced and dizen'd from bottom to top, And pride and conceit; Who shrugs, and takes snuff, And carries a muff; French powder-puff: And, now, sir, I fancy, I've told you enough. [Exit. Jess. What's the matter with the Colonel, madam; does your ladyship know? Lady M. O. Heigho! don't be surprised, my dear; it was the same thing with my late dear brother, Lord Jessamy; they never could agree: that good-natured, friendly soul, knowing the delicacy of my constitution, has often said, Sister Mary, I pity you. Jes. I think he ought to be proud of me: I be lieve there's many a duke, nay prince, who would es teem themselves happy in having such a son Lady M. O. Yes, my dear; but your sister was always your father's favourite: he intends to give her a prodigious fortune, and sets his heart upon seeing her a woman of quality. Jess. He should wish to see her look a little like a gentlewoman first. When she was in London last winter, I am told she was taken notice of by a few men. But she wants air, manner Lady M. O. Well, my dear, I must go and dress myself, though I protest I am fitter for my bed than my coach. And condescend to the Colonel a littleDo, my dear, if it be only to oblige your mamma. [Exeunt. SCENE II. A Study in SIR JOHN FLOWERDALE's House; two Chairs and a Table, with Globes and Mathematical Instruments. Enter CLARISSA. AIR. Immortal pow'rs protect me, Enter JENNY. Jenny. My dear lady, what ails you? Clar. Nothing, Jenny, nothing. Jenny. Pardon me, madam, there is something ails you indeed. Lord! what signifies all the grandeur and riches in this world, if they can't procure one content. I am sure it vexes me to the heart, so it does, to see such a dear, sweet, worthy young lady as you are, pining yourself to death. Clar. Jenny, you are a good girl, and I am very much obliged to you for feeling so much on my account; but in a little time, I hope, I shall be easier. Jenny. Why, now, here to-day, madam, for sartain you ought to be merry to-day, when there's a fine gentleman coming to court you; but, if you like any one else better, I am sure, I wish you had him, with all my soul. Clar. Suppose, Jenny, I was so unfortunate, as to like a man without my father's approbation; would you wish me married to him? Jenny. I wish you married to any one, madam, that could make you happy. Clar. Heigho! Jenny. Madam! Madam! yonder's Sir John and Mr Lionel on the terrace; I believe they are coming up here. Poor dear Mr Lionel, he does not seem to be in over great spirits either. To be sure, madam, it's no business of mine; but, I believe, if the truth was known, there are those in the house, who would give more than ever I shall be worth, or any the likes of me, to prevent the marriage of a sartain person that shall be nameless. Clar. What do you mean? I don't understand you. Jenny. Lauk! Madam, do you think, when Mr Lionel's a clergyman, he'll be obliged to cut off his hair? I'm sure it will be a thousand pities, for it is the sweetest colour, and looks the nicest put up in a queue. Clar. I'm going into my dressing-room-It seems then Mr Lionel is a great favourite of yours; but pray, Jenny, have a care how you talk in this manner to any one else. Jenny. Me talk! Madam, I thought you knew me better; and, my dear lady, keep up your spirits. I'm sure I have dressed you to-day as nice as hands and pins can make you. AIR. I'm but a poor servant, 'tis true, maʼam; In grief would I sit? The dickens a bit; Set in case a young man It might anger my friends and relations: But if I had regard, It should go very hard, Or I'd follow my own inclinations. [Exeunt. Enter SIR JOHN FLOWERDALE and LIONel. Sir J. F. Indeed, Lionel, I will not hear of it. What! to run from us all of a sudden, this way: and at such a time too; the eve of my daughter's wedding, as I may call it; when your company must be doubly agreeable, as well as necessary, to us! I am sure you have no studies at present, that require your attendance at Oxford: I must, therefore, insist on your putting such thoughts out of your head. Lionel. Upon my word, sir, I have been so long from the university, that it is time for me to think of returning. It is true, I have no absolute studies; but, really, sir, I shall be obliged to you, if you will give me leave to go. Sir J. F. Come, come, my dear Lionel, I have for some time observed a more than ordinary gravity growing upon you, and I am not to learn the reason of it: I know, to minds serious and well-inclined, like yours, the sacred functions you are about to embrace Lionel. Dear sir, your goodness to me, of every kind, is so great, so unmerited! Your condescension, your friendly attentions-in short, sir, I want words to express my sense of obligations Sir J. F. Fie, fie! no more of them. By my last letters, I find that my old friend, the rector, still continues in good health, considering his advanced years. You may imagine I am far from desiring the death of so worthy and pious a man; yet, I must own, at this time, I could wish you were in orders, as you might then perform the ceremony of my daughter's marriage, which would give me a secret satisfaction. Lionel. No doubt, sir, any office in my power, that could be instrumental to the happiness of any in your family, I should perform with pleasure. Sir J. F. Why, really, Lionel, from the character of her intended husband, I have no room to doubt, but this match will make Clarissa perfectly happy: to be sure, the alliance is the most eligible for both families. Lionel. If the gentleman is sensible of his happiness in the alliance, sir. Sir J. F. The fondness of a father is always supected of partiality; yet, I believe, I may venture to say, that few young women will be found more unexcep tionable than my daughter: her person is agreeable, her temper sweet, her understanding good; and, with the obligations she has to your instruction Lionel. You do my endeavours too much honour, sir ; I have been able to add nothing to Miss Flower |