Aman. This is the first I have heard on’t—so I suppose ’tis his quality more than his love has brought him into this adventure. He thinks his title an authentic passport to every woman’s heart below the degree of a peeress.

Col. Town. He’s coxcomb enough to think anything; but I would not have you brought imto trouble for him. I hope there’s no danger of his life?

Love. None at all. He’s fallen into the hands of a roguish surgeon, who, I perceive, designs to frighten a little money out of him: but I saw his wound—’tis nothing: he may go to the ball to-night if he pleases.

Col. Town. I am glad you have corrected him without further mischief, or you might have deprived me of the pleasure of executing a plot against his lordship, which I have been contriving with an old acquaintance of yours.

Love. Explain.

Col. Town. His brother, Tom Fashion, is come down here, and we have it in contemplation to save him the trouble of his intended wedding; but we want your asssitance. Tom would have called but he is preparing for his enterprise, so I promised to bring you to him—so, sir, if these ladies can spare you——

Love. I’ll go with you with all my heart.—[Aside.] Though I could wish, methinks, to stay and gaze a little longer on that creature. Good gods! how engaging she is!—but what have I to do with beauty? I have already had my portion, and must not covet more.

Aman. Mr. Loveless, pray one word with you before you go.

[Exit Colonel Townly.

Love. What would my dear?

Aman. Only a woman’s foolish question: how do you like my cousin here?

Love. Jealous already, Amanda?

Aman. Not at all: I ask you for another reason.

Love. [Aside.] Whate’er her reason be, I must not tell her true.—[Aloud.] Why, I confess, she’s handsome: but you must not think I slight your kinswoman, if I own to you, of all the women who may claim that character, she is the last that would triumph in my heart.

Aman. I’m satisfied.

Love. Now tell me why you asked?

Aman. At night I will—adieu!

Love. I’m yours.

[Kisses her and exit.

Aman. I’m glad to find he does not like her, for I have a great mind to persuade her to come and live with me.

[Aside.

Ber. So! I find my colonel continues in his airs: there must be something more at the bottom of this than the provocation he pretends from me.