Page:The Clandestine Marriage (1766).djvu/71

Rh greateſt part of all this ſhe means to leave to our family.

Sir John. I can only ſay, Sir—

Sterl. Why, your offer of the difference of thirty thouſand, was very fair and handſome to be ſure, Sir John.

Sir John. Nay, but I am even willing to—

Sterl. Ay, but if I was to accept it againſt her will, I might loſe above a hundred thouſand; ſo, you ſee, the ballance is againſt you, Sir John.

Sir John. But is there no way, do you think, of prevailing on Mrs. Heidelberg to grant her conſent?

Sterl. I am afraid not.—However, when her paſſion is a little abated—for ſhe's very paſſionate—you may try what can be done: but you muſt not uſe my name any more, Sir John.

Sir John. Suppoſe I was to prevail on Lord Ogleby to apply to her, do you think that would have any influence over her?

Sterl. I think he would be more likely to perſuade her to it, than any other perſon in the family. She has a great reſpect for Lord Ogleby. She loves a lord.

Sir John. I'll apply to him this very day.—And if he ſhould prevail on Mrs. Heidelberg, I may depend on your friendſhip, Mr. Sterling?

Sterl. Ay, ay, I ſhall be glad to oblige you, when it is in my power; but as the account ſtands now, you ſee it is not upon the figures. And ſo your ſervant, Sir John.

[Exit.

What a ſituation am I in!—Breaking off with her whom I was bound by treaty to marry; rejected by the object of my affections; and embroiled with this turbulent woman, who governs the whole family.—And yet oppoſition, inſtead of ſmothering, increaſes my inclination. I muſt have her. I'll apply immediately to Lord Ogleby; and if he can but bring over