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SCENE I.-A room in STERLING's house.

ACT I.

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Fan. What's the matter, Betty?

Bet. Oh la! ma'am! as sure as I am alive, here is your husband

Fan. Hush! my dear Betty! if any body in the house should hear you, I am ruined.

Bet. Mercy on me! it has frightened me to such a degree, that my heart is come up to my mouth. But, as I was saying, ma'am, here's that dear, sweet

Fan. Have a care, Betty!

Bet. Lord! I am bewitched, I think. But, as I was a saying, ma'am, here's Mr Lovewell just come from London.

Fan. Indeed!

Bet. Yes, indeed and indeed, ma'am, he is. I saw him crossing the court-yard in his boots.

Fan. I am glad to hear it. But pray now, my dear Betty, be cautious. Don't mention that word again, on any account. You know, we have agreed never to drop any expressions of that sort, for fear of any accident.

Bet. Dear ma'am, you may depend upon me. There is not a more trustier creature on the face of the earth, than I am. Though I say it, I am as secret as the grave-and if it is never told till I tell it, it may remain untold till doom's-day for Betty.

Fan. I know you are faithful---but, in our cir cumstances, we cannot be too careful.

Bet. Very true, ma'am! and yet I vow and protest, there's more plague than pleasure with a secret; especially if a body may'nt mention it to four or five of one's particular acquaintance.

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Fan. Fy, Betty!

[Blushing. Bet. Ah! you may well blush. But you're not so sick, and so pale, and so wan, and so many qualms

Fan. Have done! I shall be quite angry with

you.

for your own, he comforted! Why will you study to add to our uneasiness and perplexity?

Fan. Oh, Mr Lovewell! the indelicacy of a secret marriage grows every day more and more shocking to me. I walk about the house like a guilty wretch: I imagine myself the object of the suspicion of the whole family; and am under the perpetual terrors of a shameful detection.

Love. Indeed, indeed, you are to blame. The amiable delicacy of your temper, and your quick sensibility, only serve to make you unhappy.To clear up this affair properly to Mr Sterling, is the continual employment of my thoughts. Every thing now is in a fair train. It begins to grow ripe for a discovery; and I have no doubt of its concluding to the satisfaction of ourselves, of your father, and the whole family. Fan. Well, say no more of this-It makes me Fan. End how it will, I am resolved it shall uneasy-All I have to ask of you, is to be faith-end soon-very soon. I would not live another ful and secret, and not to reveal this matter, till week in this agony of mind to be mistress of the we disclose it to the family of ourselves. universe.

Bet. Angry!-Bless the dear puppet! I am sure I shall love it as much as if it was my own. I I meant no harm, Heaven knows.

Bet. Me reveal it !-If I say a word, I wish I Love. Do not be too violent neither. Do not may be burned. I would not do you any harmlet us disturb the joy of your sister's marriage for the world-And as for Mr Lovewell, I am with the tumult this matter may occasion-I sure I have loved the dear gentleman ever since have brought letters from lord Ögleby and sir he got a tide-waiter's place for my brother—But | John Melvil to Mr Sterling. They will be here let me tell you both, you must leave off your soft this evening-and, I dare say, within this hour. looks to each other, and your whispers, and your Fan. I am sorry for it. glances, and your always sitting next to one an- Love. Why so? other at dinner, and your long walks together in the evening. For my part, if I had not been in the secret, I should have known you were a pair of lovers at least, if not man and wife, asFan. See there now again! Pray, be careful. Bet. Well-well-nobody hears me.-Man and wife. I'll say no more-what I tell you is very true for all that

Love. [Calling within.] William!
Bet. Hark! I hear your husband-
Fan. What!

Bet. I say, here comes Mr Lovewell-Mind the caution I give you-I'll be whipped now, if you are not the first person he sees or speaks to in the family! However, if you choose it, it's nothing at all to me-as you sow, so you must reap as you brew, so you must bake.-I'll e'en slip down the back-stairs and leave you together. [Exit. Fun. I see, I see I shall never have à moment's ease, till our marriage is made public. New distresses crowd in upon me every day. The solicitude of my mind sinks my spirits, preys upon my health, and destroys every comfort of my life. It shall be revealed, let what will be the consequence.

Enter LOVEWEll.

Love. My love!-How's this?-In_tears?— Indeed, this is too much. You promised me to support your spirits, and to wait the determination of our fortune with patience. For my sake, VOL. II.

Fan. No matter-Only let us disclose our marriage immediately!

Love. As soon as possible.

Fan. But directly.

Love. In a few days, you may depend on it.
Fan. To-night-or to-morrow morning.
Love. That, I fear, will be impracticable.
Fan. Nay, but you must.

Love. Must! Why?

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Fan. Not at present. When all is settled, you shall be acquainted with every thing.

Love. Sorry they are coming!-Must be discovered!-What can this mean? Is it possible you can have any reasons that need be concealed from me?

Fan. Do not disturb yourself with conjectures but rest assured, that though you are unable to divine the cause, the consequence of a discovery, be it what it will, cannot be attended with half the miseries of the present interval.

Love. You put me upon the rack. I would do any thing to make you easy.- -But you know your father's temper.-Money (you will excuse my frankness) is the spring of all his actions, which nothing but the idea of acquiring nobility or magnificence, can ever make him forego--

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and these he thinks his money will purchase.You know, too, your aunt's, Mrs Heidelberg's, notions of the splendour of high life; her contempt for every thing that does not relish of what she calls quality; and that, from the vast fortune in her hands, by her late husband, she absolutely governs Mr Sterling and the whole family now, if they should come to the knowledge of this affair too abruptly, they might, perhaps, be incensed beyond all hopes of reconciliation.

Love. Would to Heaven, sir, you would provide her one of my recommendation! Ster. Yourself! eh, Lovewell?

Love. With your pleasure, sir.
Ster. Mighty well!

Love. And I flatter myself, that such a proposal would not be very disagreeable to Miss Fanny.

sir

Ster. Better and better!

Love. And if I could but obtain your consent,

but can't think of you for a son-in-law.-There's no stuff in the case; no money, Lovewell!

Fan. But if they are made acquainted with it otherwise than by ourselves, it will be ten times Ster. What! you marry Fanny !-no-noworse and a discovery grows every day more that will never do, Lovewell !—You're a good probable. The whole family have long suspect-boy, to be sure—I have a great value for youed our affection. We are also in the power of a foolish maid-servant; and if we may even depend on her fidelity, we cannot answer for her discretion.-Discover it therefore, immediately, lest some accident should bring it to light, and involve us in additional disgrace.

Love. Well-well-I mean to discover it soon, but would not do it too precipitately. I have more than once sounded Mr Sterling about it, and will attempt him more seriously the next opportunity. But my principal hopes are these: My relationship to lord Ogleby, and his having placed me with your father, have been, you know, the first links in the chain of this connection between the two families; in consequence of which, I am at present in high favour with all parties. While they all remain thus well affected to me, I propose to lay our case before the old lord; and, if I can prevail on him to mediate in this affair, I make no doubt but he will be able to appease your father; and, being a lord, and a man of quality, I am sure he may bring Mrs Heidelberg into good humour at any time. Let me beg you, therefore, to have but a little patience, as, you see, we are upon the very eve of a discovery, that must probably be to our advantage.

Fan. Manage it your own way. I am persuaded.

Love. But, in the mean time, make yourself

Love. My pretensions to fortune, indeed, are but moderate; but, though not equal to splendour, sufficient to keep us above distress.-Add to which, that I hope, by diligence, to increase it and have love, honour

Ster. But not the stuff, Lovewell!—Add one little round 0 to the sum total of your fortune, and that will be the finest thing you can say to me. You know I've a regard for you-would do any thing to serve you-any thing on the footing of friendship-but

Love. If you think me worthy of your friendship, sir, be assured, that there is no instance in which I should rate your friendship so highly.

Ster. Psha! psha! that's another thing, you know. Where money or interest is concerned, friendship is quite out of the question.

Love. But where the happiness of a daughter is at stake, you would not scruple, sure, to sacrifice a little to her inclinations?

Ster. Inclinations! why, you would not persuade me that the girl is in love with you-ch, Lovewell?

Love. I cannot absolutely answer for Miss Fanny, sir; but am sure that the chief happiness or misery of my life depends entirely upon her. Ster. Why, indeed, now, if your kinsman, lord Ogleby, would come down handsomely for you Fan. As easy as I can, I will. We had bet--but that's impossible-No, no-'twill never do ter not remain together any longer at present. Think of this business, and let me know how you proceed.

easy.

Love. Depend on my care! But, pray, be cheerful.

Fan. I will.

As she is going out, enter STERLING. Ster. Hey day! who have we got here? Fan. [Confused.] Mr Lovewell, sir! Ster. And where are you going, hussy? Fan. To my sister's chamber, sir. [Exit FAN. Ster. Ah, Lovewell! What! always getting my foolish girl, yonder, into a corner?-Wellwell-let us but once see her eldest sister fast married to sir John Melvil, we'll soon provide 2 good husband for Fanny, I warrant you.

-I must hear no more of this-Come, Lovewell, promise me that I shall hear no more of this.

Love. [Hesitating,] I am afraid, sir, I should not be able to keep my word with you, if I did promise you.

Ster. Why, you would not offer to marry her without my consent! would you, Lovewell? Love. Marry her, sir! [Confused.

Ster. Ay, marry her, sir!-I know very well that a warm speech or two from such a dangerous young spark as you are, would go much farther towards persuading a silly girl to do what she has more than a month's mind to do, than twenty grave lectures from fathers or mothers, or uncles or aunts, to prevent her. But you would not, sure, be such a base fellow, such a

Love. Sir-I-I-as to that-I-I-beg, sir,
-Pray, sir, excuse me on this subject at pre-

sent.

Ster. Promise, then, that you will carry this matter no farther without my approbation.

Love. You may depend on it, sir, that it shall go no further.

William !

treacherous young rogue, as to seduce my daugh- | chant is the most respectable character in the ter's affections, and destroy the peace of my fa- universe.-'Slife, man, a rich English mermily in that manner? I must insist on it, that chant may make himself a match for the daughter you give me your word not to marry her without of a nabob.- Where are all my rascals? Here, my consent. [Exit STER. calling. Love. So--as I suspected.-Quite averse to the match, and likely to receive the news of it with great displeasure.- -What's best to be done?Let me see !---Suppose I get sir John Melvil to interest himself in this affair. He may mention it to lord Ogleby with a better grace than I can, and more probably prevail on him to interfere in it. I can open my mind also more freely to sir John. He told me, when I left him in town, that he had something of consequence to communicate, and that I could be of use to him. I am glad of it for the confidence he reposes in me, and the service I may do him, will ensure me his good offices.---Poor Fanny! It hurts me to see her so uneasy, and her making a mystery of the cause adds to my anxiety.---Something must be done upon her account; for, at all events, her solicitude shall be removed.

Ster. Well-well-that's enough—I'll take care of the rest, I warrant you. Come, come; let's have done with this nonsense!-What's doing in town? Any news upon 'Change?

Love. Nothing material.

Ster. Have you seen the currants, the soap, and Madeira safe in the warehouses? Have you compared the goods with the invoice and bills of lading, and are they all right?

Love. They are, sir.

Ster. And how are stocks?

Love. Fell one and a half this morning.

Ster. Well, well-some good news from America, and they'll be up again.---But how are lord Ogleby and sir John Melvil? When are we to expect them?

Love. Very soon, sir. I came on purpose to bring you their commands. Here are letters from both of them. [Giving letters. Ster. Let me see-let me seee-Slife, how his lordship's letter is perfumed !-It takes my breath away. [Opening it.] And French paper, too! with

a fine border of flowers and flourishes-and a slippery gloss on it that dazzles one's eyes. My dear Mr Sterling?' [Reading.] Mercy on me! his lordship writes a worse hand than a boy at his exercise.- -But how's this?-Eh!-'with you to night [Reading.]-Lawyers to morrow morning-To night!- -that's sudden, indeedWhere's my sister Heidelberg? she should know of this immediately. Here, John! Harry! Thomas! [Calling the servants.] Hark ye, Love

well!

Love. Sir!

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[Exit.

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Miss Ster. And you don't in the least wish that you was just in my situation?

Fan. No, indeed, I don't. Why should I?

Miss Ster. Why should you! What! on the brink of marriage, fortune, title! But I had forgot-There's that dear sweet creature, Mr Lovewell, in the case. You would not break your faith with your true love now, for the world, I warrant you.

Fan. Mr Lovewell!-Always Mr Lovewell! Lord, what signifies Mr Lovewell, sister?

Miss Ster. Pretty peevish soul! Oh, my dear, grave, romantic sister!-A perfect philosopher in petticoats!--Love and a cottage!-Eh, Fanny? -Ah, give me indifference, and a coach and six!

Fan. And why not the coach and six, without the indifference? But, pray, when is this happy marriage of yours to be celebrated? I long to give you joy.

Miss Ster. In a day or two-I cannot tell exactly-Oh, my dear sister! I must mortify her a little.-[Aside.]—I know you have a pretty taste. Pray, give me your opinion of my jewels. How do you like the style of this esclavage? [Shewing jewels.

Fan. Extremely handsome, indeed; and well fancied.

Miss Ster. What d'ye think of these bracelets? I shall have a miniature of my father set round with diamonds, to one, and sir John's to the other. And this pair of ear-rings! set transparent! here, the tops, you see, will shake off to wear in a morning, or in an undress-how d'ye like them? [Shews jewels. Fan. Very much, I assure you-Bless me, sister, you have a prodigious quantity of jewels!You'll be the very queen of diamonds!

Miss Ster. Ha, ha, ha! Very well, my dear! I shall be as fine as a little queen, indeed. I have a bouquet to come home to-morrow-made up of diamonds, and rubies, and emeralds, and topazes, and amethysts-jewels of all colours, green, red, blue, yellow, intermixt-the prettiest thing you ever saw in your life! The jeweller says, I shall set out with as many diamonds as any body in town, except lady Brilliant, and Polly What-d'ye call it, lord Squander's kept mis

tress.

Fan. But what are your wedding-clothes, sister?

Miss Ster. Oh, white and silver, to be sure, you know. I bought them at sir Joseph Lutestring's, and sat above an hour in the parlour behind the shop, consulting lady Lutestring about gold and silver stuffs, on purpose to mortify her. Fan. Fie, sister! How could you be so abominably provoking?

Miss Ster. Oh, I have no patience with the pride of your city-knights' ladies. Did you ever observe the airs of lady Lutestring, drest in the richest brocade out of her husband's shop, play ing crown whist at Haberdasher's Hall-Whilst the civil smirking sir Joseph, with a snug wig trimmed round his broad face, as close as a newcut yew-hedge, and his shoes so black that they shine again, stands all day in his shop, fastened to his counter like a bad shilling!

you call in at lady Thunder's? In the immensity of crowd, I swear I did not see you-scarce a soul at the opera last Saturday-shall I see you at Carlisle house next Thursday ?-Oh, the dear beau monde! I was born to move in the sphere of the great world.

Fan. And so, in the midst of all this happiness, you have no compassion for me—no pity for us poor mortals in common life.

me.

Miss Ster. [Affectedly.]-You? You're above pity. You would not change conditions with You're over head and ears in love, you know. Nay, for that matter, if Mr Lovewell and you come together, as I doubt not you will, you will live very comfortably, I dare say. He will mind his business--you'll employ yourself in the delightful care of your family-and once in a season, perhaps, you'll sit together in a front box at a benefit play, as we used to do at our dancingmaster's, you know-and, perhaps, I may meet you in the summer, with some other citizens, at Tunbridge. For my part, I shall always entertain a proper regard for my relations. You shan't want my countenance, I assure you. Fan. Oh, you're too kind, sister!

Enter MRS HEIDELBERG.

Mrs Heid. [At entering.]-Here this evening! I vow and protest we shall scarce have time to provide for them-Oh, my dear!-[To Miss STER.]--I am glad to see you're not quite in a dishabille. Lord Ogleby and sir John Melvil will be here to-night.

Miss Ster. To-night, madam?

Mrs Heid. Yes, my dear, to-night. Oh, put on a smarter cap, and change those ordinary ruffles!-Lord, I have such a deal to do, I shall scarce have time to slip on my Italian lutestring. Where is this dawdle of a house-keeper?

Enter MRS TRUSTY.

Trus. Yes, madam.

Oh, here, Trusty! Do you know that people of Fan. Indeed, indeed, sister, this is too much-qualaty are expected here this evening? If you talk at this rate, you will be absolutely a by-word in the city- You must never venture on the inside of Temple-bar again.

Mrs Heid. Well-Do you be sure, now, that every thing is done in the most genteelest man-ner--and to the honour of the famaly. Trus. Yes, madam.

Mrs Heid. Well-but mind what I say to

Trus. Yes, madam,

Mrs Heid. His lordship is to lie in the chintz bed-chamber---d'ye hear?" and sir John in the blue damask-room---his lordship's valet-de-shamb in the opposite

Miss Ster. Never do I desire it-never, my dear Fanny, I promise you. Oh, how I long to be transported to the dear regions of Grosvenorsquare-far-far from the dull districts of Al-you. dersgate, Cheap, Candlewick, and Farringdon Without and Within!-My heart goes pit-a-pat at the very idea of being introduced at court! Gilt chariot!--Pyebald horses!-Laced veries !—and then the whispers buzzing round the circle Who is that young lady? Who is she?' -Lady Melvil, madam-Lady Melvil! My ears tingle at the sound. And then at dinner, instead of my father perpetually asking Any news upon 'Change? To cry-- Well, sir John, any thing new from Arthur's?-Or, to say to some other woman of quality- Was your ladyship at the duchess of Rubber's last night? Did

Trus. Bit Mr Lovewell is come down-and you know that's his room, madam.

Mrs Heid. Well-well---Mr Lovewell may make shift---or get a bed at the George. But hark ye, Trusty!

Trus. Madam!

Mrs Heid. Get the great dining-room in or der, as soon as possable. Unpaper the curtains;

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