Sir John. Do not leave me in abſolute deſpair!—Give me a glimpſe of hope! [falling on his knees.
Fanny. I cannot. Pray, Sir John! [ſtruggling to go.
Sir John. Shall this hand be given to another? [kiſſing her hand.] No—I cannot endure it.—My whole ſoul is yours, and the whole happineſs of my life is in your power.
Enter Miſs Sterling.
Fanny. Ha! my ſiſter is here. Riſe for ſhame, Sir John!
Sir John. Miſs Sterling! [riſing.
Miſs Sterl. I beg pardon, Sir!—You'll excuſe me, Madam!—I have broke in upon you a little unopportunely, I believe—But I did not mean to interrupt you—I only came, Sir, to let you know that breakfaſt waits, if you have finiſhed your morning's devotions.
Sir John. I am very ſenſible, Miſs Sterling, that this may appear particular, but
Miſs Sterl. Oh dear, Sir John, don't put yourſelf to the trouble of an apology. The thing explains itſelf.
Sir John. It will ſoon, Madam!—In the mean time I can only aſſure you of my profound reſpect and eſteem for you, and make no doubt of convincing Mr. Sterling of the honour and integrity of my intentions. And—and—your humble ſervant, Madam!
Manent Fanny, and Miſs Sterling.
Miſs Sterl. Reſpect?—Inſolence!—Eſteem?—Very fine truly!—And you, Madam! my ſweet, delicate, innocent, ſentimental ſiſter! will you convince my papa too of the integrity of your intentions?
Fanny. Do not upbraid me, my dear ſiſter! Indeed, I don't deſerve it. Believe me, you can't be more offended at his behaviour than I am, and I am ſure it cannot make you half ſo miſerable.
