Page:The Clandestine Marriage (1766).djvu/81

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been validated.
A COMEDY.
65

Miſs Sterl. I have but too much cauſe for my emotion, my Lord!

Lord Ogle. I cannot commend my kinſman's behaviour, Madam. He has behaved like a falſe knight, I muſt confeſs. I have heard of his apoſtacy. Miſs Fanny has informed me of it.

Miſs Sterl. Miſs Fanny's baſeneſs has been the cauſe of Sir John's inconſtancy.

Lord Ogle. Nay, now, my dear Miſs Sterling, your paſſion tranſports you too far. Sir John may have entertained a paſſion for Mſls Fanny, but believe me, my dear Miſs Sterling, believe me, Miſs Fanny has no paſſion for Sir John. She has a paſſion, indeed, a moſt tender paſſion. She has opened her whole ſoul to me, and I know where her affections are placed.

[conceitedly.

Miſs Sterl. Not upon Mr. Lovewell, my Lord; for I have great reaſon to think that her ſeeming attachment to him, is, by his conſent, made uſe of as a blind to cover her deſigns upon Sir John.

Lord Ogle. Lovewell! No, poor lad! She does not. think of him. [ſmiling.

Miſs Sterl. Have a care, my Lord, that both the families are not made the dupes of Sir John's artifice and my ſiſter's diſſimulation! You don't know her—indeed, my Lord, you don't know her—a baſe, inſinuating, perfidious!—It is too much—She has been beforehand with me, I perceive. Such unnatural behaviour to me!—But ſince I ſee I can have no redreſs, I am reſolved that ſome way or other I will have revenge.

[Exit.

Sterl. This is fooliſh work, my Lord!

Lord Ogle. I have too much ſenſibility to bear the tears of beauty.

Sterl. It is touching indeed, my Lord—and very moving for a father.

Lord Ogle. To be ſure, Sir!—You muſt be diſtreſt beyond meaſure!—Wherefore, to divert your too ex-

quiſite