I could never have hoped to meet my dearest

Constance at an inn.

Miss Neville. An Inn! sure you mistake! my aunt, 410 my guardian, lives here. What could induce

you to think this house an inn?

Hastings. My friend, Mr Marlow, with whom I
came down, and I, have been sent here as to an
inn, I assure you. A young fellow whom we
accidentally met at a house hard by directed us
thither.

Miss Neville. Certainly it must be one of my hope-
ful cousin's tricks, of whom you have heard me
talk so often, ha! ha! ha! ha!
Hastings. He whom your aunt intends for you?
He of whom I have such just apprehensions?
Miss Neville. You have nothing to fear from him,
You'd adore him if you knew
how heartily he despises me. My aunt knows
it too, and has undertaken to court me for him,
and actually begins to think she has made a
conquest.

I assure you.

Hastings. Thou dear dissembler! You must know,

420

my Constance, I have just seized this happy 430 opportunity of my friend's visit here to get admittance into the family. The horses that

carried us down are now fatigued with their
journey, but they'll soon be refreshed; and
then, if my dearest girl will trust in her faith-
ful Hastings, we shall soon be landed in
France, where even among slaves the laws of
marriage are respected.

Miss Neville. I have often told you, that though
ready to obey you, I yet should leave
my little
fortune behind with reluctance. The greatest
part of it was left me by my uncle, the India
Director, and chiefly consists in jewels. I
have been for some time persuading my aunt to
let me wear them. I fancy I'm very near
succeeding. The instant they are put into my
possession you shall find me ready to make
them and myself yours.
Hastings. Perish the baubles! Your person is all I

desire. In the meantime, my friend Marlow
must not be let into his mistake. I know the
strange reserve of his temper is such, that if
abruptly informed of it, he would instantly quit
the house before our plan was ripe for execu-
tion.

Miss Neville. But how shall we keep him in the
deception? Miss Hardcastle is just returned

440

450

from walking; what if we still continue to
deceive him?—This, this way——

Enter Marlow.

[They confer.

Marlow. The assiduities of these good people tease 460 me beyond bearing. My host seems to think it ill manners to leave me alone, and so he claps not only himself, but his old-fashioned wife on my back. They talk of coming to sup with us, too; and then, I suppose, we are to run the gauntlet through all the rest of the family.What have we got here?—

Hastings. My dear Charles! Let me congratulate
you! The most fortunate accident!-Who do
you think is just alighted?

Marlow. Cannot guess.
Hastings. Our mistresses, boy, Miss Hardcastle and
Miss Neville. Give me leave to introduce
Miss Constance Neville to your acquaintance.
Happening to dine in the neighbourhood, they
called, on their return to take fresh horses,
here. Miss Hardcastle has just stept into the
next room, and will be back in an instant.
Wasn't it lucky? eh!

470

Marlow [aside]. I have just been mortified enough 480

of all conscience, and here comes something to
complete my embarrassment.

Hastings. Well! but wasn't it the most fortunate
thing in the world?

Marlow. Oh! yes. Very fortunate-a most joyful encounter- -But our dresses, George, you know, are in disorder- -What if we should postpone the happiness till to-morrow? To-morrow at her own house--It will be every bit as convenient――And rather more 490 respectful-To-morrow let it be.

[Offering to go. Miss Neville. By no means, sir. Your ceremony will displease her. The disorder of your dress will shew the ardour of your impatience. Besides, she knows you are in the house, and will permit you to see her.

Marlow. O! the devil! how shall I support it?
Hem! hem! Hastings, you must not go.
You are to assist me, you know. I shall
be confoundedly ridiculous. Yet, hang it! 500

I'll take courage. Hastings. Pshaw, man! and all's over. know.

Hem!

it's but the first plunge, She's but a woman, you

Marlow. And of all women, she that I dread most

to encounter!

Enter Miss Hardcastle, as returned from walking,
a Bonnet, &c.

Hastings [introducing them]. Miss Hardcastle, Mr
Marlow, I'm proud of bringing two persons

of such merit together, that only want to
know, to esteem each other.

Miss Hard. [Aside.] Now, for meeting my modest
gentleman with a demure face, and quite in his
own manner. [After a pause, in which he ap-
pears very uneasy and disconcerted.] I'm glad
of your safe arrival, sir——I'm told you had
some accidents by the way.

Marlow. Only a few, madam. Yes, we had some. Yes, madam, a good many accidents,

but should be sorry-madam-or rather glad

510

of any accidents-that are so agreeably con- 520 cluded. Hem!

Hastings [To him]. You never spoke better in your whole life. Keep it up, and I'll insure you

the victory.

Miss Hard. I'm afraid you flatter, sir. You that have seen so much of the finest company can