pare a place for their reception when they return; so they have borrowed me from my master, as the properest person to attend the young lady down

Sir Wil. To the land of matrimony! A pleasant journey, Jarvis.

Jar. Ay, but I'm only to have all the fatigues on't.

Sir Wil. Well, it may be shorter, and less fatiguing than you imagine. I know but too much of the young lady's family and connexions, whom I have seen abroad. I have also discovered that Miss Richland is not indifferent to my thoughtless nephew; and will endeavour, though I fear in vain, to establish that connexion. But come, the letter I wait for must be almost finished; I'll let you further into my intentions in the next room.

[Exeunt.

ACT IV.

Scene, CROAKER's House.

Lofty. WELL, sure the devil's in me of late, for running my head into such defiles, as nothing but a genius like my own could draw me from. I was formerly contented to husband out my places and pensions with some degree of frugality; but, curse it, of late I have given away the whole court register in less time than they could print the title-page: yet, hang it, why scruple a lie or two to come at a fine girl, when I every day tell a thousand for nothing? Ha! Honeywood here before me. Could Miss Richland have set him at liberty?

Enter HONEYWOOD.

Mr. Honeywood, I'm glad to see you abroad again.

I find my concurrence was not necessary in your unfortunate affairs. I had put things in a train to do your business; but it is not for me to say what I intended doing.

Hon. It was unfortunate indeed, sir. But what adds to my uneasiness is, that while you seem to be acquainted with my misfortune, I myself continue still a stranger to my benefactor.

Lof. How! not know the friend that served you?
Hon. Can't guess at the person.

Lof. Inquire.

Hon. I have; but all I can learn is, that he chooses to remain concealed, and that all inquiry must be fruitless.

Lof. Must be fruitless!

Hon. Absolutely fruitless.

Lof. Sure of that?

Hon. Very sure.

Lof. Then I'll be damned if you shall ever know it from me.

Hon. How, sir!

Lof. I suppose now, Mr. Honeywood, you think my rent-roll very considerable, and that I have vast sums of money to throw away; I know you do. The world, to

be sure, says such things of me.

Hon. The world, by what I learn, is no stranger to your generosity. But where does this tend?

Lof. To nothing; nothing in the world. The town, to be sure, when it makes such a thing as me the subject of conversation, has asserted, that I never yet patronised a man of merit.

Hon. I have heard instances to the contrary, even from yourself.

Lof. Yes, Honeywood, and there are instances to the contrary, that you shall never hear from myself.

Hon. Ha! dear sir, permit me to ask you but one question.

Lof. Sir, ask me no questions: I say, sir, ask me no questions; I'll be damned if I answer them.

Hon. I will ask no further, My friend! my benefactor, it is, it must be here, that I am indebted for freedom, for honour. Yes, thou worthiest of men, from the beginning I suspected it, but was afraid to return thanks; which, if undeserved, might seem reproaches.

Lof. I protest I do not understand all this, Mr. Honeywood. You treat me very cavalierly. I do assure you, sir-Blood, sir, can't a man be permitted to enjoy the luxury of his own feelings, without all this parade!

Hon. Nay, do not attempt to conceal an action that adds to your honour, Your looks, your air, your man

ner, all confess it.

Lof. Confess it, sir!

Torture itself, sir, shall never bring me to confess it. Mr. Honeywood, I have admitted you upon terms of friendship. Don't let us fall out: make me happy, and let this be buried in oblivion. You know I hate ostentation; you know I do. Come, come, Honeywood, you know I always loved to be a friend, and not a patron. I beg this may make no kind of distance between us. Come, come, you and I must be more familiar-indeed we must. 4

Hon. Heavens! Can I ever repay such friendship? Is there any way? Thou best of men, can I ever return

the obligation?

Lof. A bagatelle, a mere bagatelle!

But I see your

heart is labouring to be grateful. You shall be grateful.

It would be cruel to disappoint you.

Is there any way?

Hon. How? teach me the manner.

Lof. From this moment you're mine. Yes, my friend,

you shall know it—I'm in love.

Hon. And can I assist you?

Lof. Nobody so well.

Hon. In what manner? I'm all impatience.

Lof. You shall make love for me.

Hon. And to whom shall I speak in your favour?

Lof. To a lady with whom you have great interest, I assure you: Miss Richland.

Hon. Miss Richland!

Lof. Yes, Miss Richland. She has struck the blow up to the hilt in my bosom, by Jupiter.

Hon. Heavens! was ever any thing more unfortunate! It is too much to be endured.

Lof. Unfortunate indeed! And yet I can endure it, till you have opened the affair to her for me. Between ourselves, I think she likes me. I'm not apt to boast, but I think she does.

Hon. Indeed! But, do you know the person you apply to?

Lof. Yes, I know you are her friend and mine: that's enough. To you, therefore, I commit the success of my passion. I'll say no more, let friendship do the rest. I have only to add, that if at any time my little interest can be of service-but, hang it, I'll make no promises-you know my interest is yours at any time. No apologies, my friend; I'll not be answered; it shall be so.

Exit.

Hon. Open, generous, unsuspecting man! He little thinks that I love her too; and with such an ardent pas. sion!--But then it was ever but a vain and hopeless one: my torment, my persecution. What shall I do! Love,

friendship, a hopeless passion, a deserving friend! Love, that has been my tormentor; a friend that has, perhaps, distressed himself to serve me. It shall be so. Yes, I will discard the fondling hope from my bosom, and exert all my influence in his favour. And yet to see her in the possession of another!--Insupportable! But then to betray a generous, trusting friend!--Worse, worse! Yes, I'm resolved. Let me but be the instrument of their happiness, and then quit a country, where I must for ever despair of finding my own.

[Exit.

Enter OLIVIA and GARNET, who carries a Milliner's Box.

No

Oliv. Dear me, I wish this journey were over. news of Jarvis yet? I believe the old peevish creature delays purely to vex me.

Gar. Why, to be sure, madam, I did hear him say, a little snubbing before marriage, would teach you to bear it the better afterwards.

Oliv. To be gone a full hour, though he had only to get a bill changed in the city! How provoking!

Gar. I'll lay my life, Mr. Leontine, that had twice as much to do, is setting off by this time from his inn; and here you are left behind.

Oliv. Well, let us be prepared for his coming, however. Are you sure you have omitted nothing, Gar. Not a stick, madam--all's here.

Garnet?
Yet I wish you

I could take the white and silver to be married in. It's the worst luck in the world, in any thing but white. I knew one Bett Stubbs, of our town, that was married in red, and, as sure as eggs is eggs, the bridegroom and she had a miff before morning.