Page:The Clandestine Marriage (1766).djvu/67

Rh Sir John. It has always been my ambition to merit the beſt opinion from Mrs. Heidelberg; and when ſhe comes to weigh all circumſtances, I flatter myſelf

Mrs. Heidel. You do flatter yourſelf, if you imagine that I can approve of your behaviour to my niece, Sir John.—And give me leave to tell you, Sir John, that you have been drawn into an action much beneath you, Sir John; and that I look upon every injury offered to Miſs Betty Sterling, as an affront to myſelf, Sir John. [warmly.

Sir John. I would not offend you for the world, Madam! but when I am influenced by a partiality for another, however ill-founded, I hope your diſcernment and good ſenſe will think it rather a point of honour to renounce engagements, which I could not fulfil ſo ſtrictly as I ought; and that you will excuſe the change in my inclinations, ſince the new object, as well as the firſt, has the honour of being your niece, Madam.

Mrs. Heidel. I diſclaim her as a niece, Sir John; Miſs Sterling diſclaims her as a ſiſter, and the whole fammaly muſt diſclaim her, for her monſtrus baſeneſs and treachery.

Sir John. Indeed ſhe has been guilty of none, Madam. Her hand and heart are, I am ſure, entirely at the diſpoſal of yourſelf, and Mr. Sterling.

And if you ſhould not oppoſe my inclinations, I am ſure of Mr. Sterling's conſent, Madam.

Mrs. Heidel. Indeed!

Sir John. Quite certain, Madam.

Sterl. [behind.] So! they ſeem to be coming to terms already. I may venture to make my appearance.

Mrs. Heidel. To marry Fanny?

Sir John. Yes, Madam.

Mrs. Heidel. My brother has given his conſent, you ſay? Sir