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4 of the whole family; and am under the perpetual terrors of a ſhameful detection.

Lovew. Indeed, indeed, you are to blame. The amiable delicacy of your temper, and your quick ſenſibility, only ſerve to make you unhappy.—To clear up this affair properly to Mr. Sterling, is the continual employment of my thoughts. Every thing now is in a fair train. It begins to grow ripe for a diſcovery; and I have no doubt of its concluding to the ſatisfaction of ourſelves, of your father, and the whole family.

Fanny. End how it will, I am reſolved it ſhall end ſoon—very ſoon.—I wou'd not live another week in this agony of mind to be miſtreſs of the univerſe.

Lovew. Do not be too violent neither. Do not let us diſturb the joy of your ſiſter's marriage with the tumult this matter may occaſion!—I have brought letters from Lord Ogleby and Sir John Melvil to Mr. Sterling.—They will be here this evening—and, I dare ſay, within this hour.

Fanny. I am ſorry for it.

Lovew. Why ſo?

Fanny. No matter—Only let us diſcloſe our marriage immediately!

Lovew. As ſoon as poſſible.

Fanny. But directly.

Lovew. In a few days, you may depend on it.

Fanny. To night—or to-morrow morning.

Lovew. That, I fear, will be impracticable.

Fanny. Nay, but you muſt.

Lovew. Muſt! why?

Fanny. Indeed, you muſt.—I have the moſt alarming reaſons for it.

Lovew. Alarming indeed! for they alarm me, even before I am acquainted with them—What are they?

Fanny. I cannot tell you.

Lovew. Not tell me?

Fanny. Not at preſent. When all is ſettled, you ſhall be acquainted with every thing. Lovew.