Page:The Clandestine Marriage (1766).djvu/50

34 acquaint her verbally of my determined affection for her, and that I am reſolved to aſk her father's conſent.

Lovew. As to that, I—your commands, you know—that is, if ſhe—Indeed, Sir John, I think you are in the wrong.

Sir John. Well—well—that's my concern—Ha! there ſhe goes, by heaven! along that walk yonder, d'ye ſee?—I'll go to her immediately.

Lovew. You are too precipitate. Conſider what you are doing.

Sir John. I wou'd not loſe this opportunity for the univerſe.

Lovew. Nay, pray don't go! Your violence and eagerneſs may overcome her ſpirits.—The ſhock will be too much for her.

[detaining him.

Sir John. Nothing ſhall prevent me.—Ha! now ſhe turns into another walk.—Let me go! [breaks from him.] I ſhall loſe her.—[going, turns back.] Be ſure now to keep out of the way—If you interrupt us, I ſhall never forgive you.

[Exit haſtily.

'Sdeath! I can't bear this. In love with my wife! acquaint me with his paſſion for her! make his addreſſes before my face!—I ſhall break out before my time.—This was the meaning of Fanny's uneaſineſs. She could not encourage him—I am ſure ſhe could not.—Ha! they are turning into the walk, and coming this way.—Shall I leave the place?—Leave him to ſollicit my wife! I can't ſubmit to it.—They come nearer and nearer—If I ſtay it will look ſuſpicious—It may betray us, and incenſe him—They are here—I muſt go—I am the moſt unfortunate fellow in the world.

[Exit.

Fanny. Leave me, Sir John, I beſeech you leave me!—nay, why will you perſiſt to follow me with idle