Page:Dramas 2.pdf/423

Rh

O self-conceit, self-conceit! how is the most downright person in the world, restrained by the common rides of society, to deal with thee? And if thou art the cause of perseverance, what shall we say of the high-lauded virtue of constancy?

Is it possible, Fanny Frankland? I could not have believed it.

What is it that so thwarts your belief?

That you should encourage the addresses of Sir John Crofton, because Clermont for a season was cajoled by the affected ardour of Lady Worrymore. You might have seen very well that he was ashamed of his sonnet, and enjoyed not the praises she lavished on it.

And what puts it into your head that I have encouraged his addresses?

I met him just now on the stairs, smiling to himself very knowingly, and when I asked him,