Miss Charlotte. [Reddening.] Spoke like a man of violence, rather than a man of reason!  I hope you’ll allow that, Cousin.

Lady Sarah.  Well, but since what is done, and cannot be undone, let us think of the next best, Have you any objection against marrying Miss Harlowe, if she will have you?

Lovel.  There can possibly be but one:  That she is to every body, no doubt, as well as to Lady Betty, pursuing that maxim peculiar to herself, (and let me tell you so it ought to be:) that what she cannot conceal from herself, she will publish to the world.

Miss Patty.  The lady, to be sure, writes this in the bitterness of her grief, and in despair.——­

Lovel.  And so when her grief is allayed; when her despairing fit is over—­and this from you, Cousin Patty!—­Sweet girl!  And would you, my dear, in the like case [whispering her] have yielded to entreaty—­would you have meant no more by the like exclamations?

I had a rap with her fan, and blush; and from Lord M. a reflection, That I turn’d into jest every thing they said.

I asked, if they thought the Harlowes deserved any consideration from me?  And whether that family would not exult over me, were I to marry their daughter, as if I dared not to do otherwise?

Lady Sarah.  Once I was angry with that family, as we all were.  But now I pity them; and think, that you have but too well justified the worse treatment they gave you.

Lord M. Their family is of standing.  All gentlemen of it, and rich, and reputable.  Let me tell you, that many of our coronets would be glad they could derive their descents from no worse a stem than theirs.

Lovel.  The Harlowes are a narrow-souled and implacable family.  I hate them:  and, though I revere the lady, scorn all relation to them.

Lady Betty.  I wish no worse could be said of him, who is such a scorner of common failings in others.

Lord M. How would my sister Lovelace have reproached herself for all her indulgent folly to this favourite boy of her’s, had she lived till now, and been present on this occasion!

Lady Sarah.  Well, but, begging your Lordship’s pardon, let us see if any thing can be done for this poor lady.

Miss Ch.  If Mr. Lovelace has nothing to object against the lady’s character, (and I presume to think he is not ashamed to do her justice, though it may make against himself,) I cannot but see her honour and generosity will compel from him all that we expect.  If there be any levities, any weaknesses, to be charged upon the lady, I should not open my lips in her favour; though in private I would pity her, and deplore her hard hap.  And yet, even then, there might not want arguments, from honour to gratitude, in so particular a case, to engage you, Sir, to make good the vows it is plain you have broken.

Lady Betty.  My niece Charlotte has called upon you so justly, and has put the question to you so properly, that I cannot but wish you would speak to it directly, and without evasion.