Page:Dramas 1.pdf/235

Rh

antiquated, I am yours. My fortune will then be in my own power, independently of my brother's consent.

Is it possible that I am so happy? How frank, how noble! But should I take advantage of a sudden impulse of thy generous nature?—Alas! I should be more virtuous than I feel I am. My uncle has offered to settle his very moderate fortune upon me: but in this case, my sister would be scantily provided for, and our poor cousin, who has ruined himself at the gaming-table, would be entirely destitute. I have therefore refused it.

You have done right, and this refusal gives you a value in my estimation beyond any acquisition of fortune. (Noise without.) We shall be interrupted here.

Let us return to the garden. My formidable rival, Mr. Smitchenstault, must, by this time, have left it.

And I don't think he observed us as we fled from him. He was only passing on to his favourite haunt.[Exeunt into the garden.