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Rh even now; and yet, I think I know Mr. Sterling ſo well, that, ſtrange as my propoſal may appear, if I can make it advantageous to him as a money-tranſaction, as I am ſure I can, he will certainly come into it.

Lovew. But even ſuppoſe he ſhould, which I very much doubt, I don't think Fanny herſelf wou'd liſten to your addreſſes.

Sir John. You are deceived a little in that particular.

Lovew. You'll find I am in the right.

Sir John. I have ſome little reaſon to think otherwiſe.

Lovew. You have not declared your paſſion to her already?

Sir John. Yes, I have.

Lovew. Indeed!—And—and—and how did ſhe receive it?

Sir John. I think it is not very eaſy for me to make my addreſſes to any woman, without receiving ſome little encouragement.

Lovew. Encouragement! did ſhe give you any encouragement?

Sir John. I don't know what you call encouragement—but ſhe bluſhed—and cried—and deſired me not to think of it any more:—upon which I preſt her hand—kiſſed it—ſwore ſhe was an angel—and I cou'd ſee it tickled her to the ſoul.

Lovew. And did ſhe expreſs no ſurpriſe at your declaration?

Sir John. Why, faith, to ſay the truth, ſhe was a little ſurpriſed—and ſhe got away from me too, before I cou'd thoroughly explain myſelf. If I ſhould not meet with an opportunity of ſpeaking to her, I muſt get you to deliver a letter from me.

Lovew. I!—a letter!—I had rather have nothing—

Sir John. Nay, you promiſed me your aſſiſtance—and I am ſure you cannot ſcruple to make yourſelf uſeful on ſuch an occaſion.—You may, without picion,