Act III.

Scene I.—A Library in Don Jerome’s House.

Enter Don Jerome and Servant.

Don Jer. Why, I never was so amazed in my life! Louisa gone off with Isaac Mendoza! What! steal away with the very man whom I wanted her to marry—elope with her own husband, as it were—it is impossible!

Ser. Her maid says, sir, they had your leave to walk in the garden, while you were abroad. The door by the shrubbery was found open, and they have not been heard of since.

[Exit.

Don Jer. Well, it is the most unaccountable affair! ’sdeath! there is certainly some infernal mystery in it I can’t comprehend!

Enter Second Servant, with a letter.

Ser. Here is a letter, sir, from Signor Isaac.

[Exit.

Don Jer. So, so, this will explain—ay, Isaac Mendoza—let me see——

[Reads.

Dearest Sir,

You must, doubtless, be much surprised at my flight with your daughter!—yes, ’faith, and well I may—I had the happiness to gain her heart at our first interview—The devil you had!—But, she having unfortunately made a vow not to receive a husband from your hands, I was obliged to comply with her whim!—So, so!— We shall shortly throw ourselves at your feet, and I hope you will have a blessing ready for one, who will then be your son-in-law,

Isaac Mendoza.

A whim, hey? Why, the devil’s in the girl, I think! This morning, she would die sooner than have him, and before evening she runs away with him! Well, well, my will’s accomplished—let the motive be what it will—and the Portuguese, sure, will never deny to fulfil the rest of the article.

Re-enter Servant, with another letter.

Ser. Sir, here’s a man below, who says he brought this from my young lady, Donna Louisa.

[Exit.

Don Jer. How! yes, it’s my daughter’s hand, indeed! Lord, there was no occasion for them both to write; well, let’s see what she says——

[Reads.

My dearest father,

How shall I entreat your pardon for the rash step I have taken—how confess the motive?—Pish! hasn’t Isaac just told me the motive?—one would think they weren’t together when they wrote.—If I have a spirit too resentful of ill usage, I have also a heart as easily affected by kindness.—So, so, here the