Har. Whate’er you say, I know all beyond High Park’s a desert to you, and that no gallantry can draw you farther.

Dor. That has been the utmost limit of my love, but now my passion knows no bounds, and there’s no measure to be taken of what I’ll do for you from anything I ever did before.

Har. When I hear you talk thus in Hampshire I shall begin to think there may be some truth enlarged upon.

Dor. Is this all?—will you not promise me?—

Har. I hate to promise! What we do then is expected from us, and wants much of the welcome it finds when it surprises.

Dor. May I not hope?

Har. That depends on you and not on me; and ’tis to no purpose to forbid it.

[Turns to Busy.

Busy. Faith, madam, now I perceive the gentleman loves you too; e’en let him know your mind, and torment yourselves no longer.

Har. Dost think I have no sense of modesty?

Busy. Think, if you lose this you may never have another opportunity.

Har. May he hate me—a curse that frights me when I speak it—if ever I do a thing against the rules of decency and honour!

Dor. [to Emilia]. I am beholding to you for your good intentions, madam.

Emil. I thought the concealing of our marriage from her might have done you better service.

Dor. Try her again.

Emil. What have you resolved, madam? The time draws near.

Har. To be obstinate, and protest against this marriage.

Enter Lady Townley in haste.

Lady Town. [To Emilia]. Quickly, quickly, let Mr. Smirk out of the closet.

[Smirk comes out of the closet.

Har. A parson! had you laid him in here?

Dor. I knew nothing of him.

Har. Should it appear you did, your opinion of my easiness may cost you dear.

Enter Old Bellair, Young Bellair, Medley, and Lady Woodvil.

O. Bell. Out a pise! the canonical hour is almost past. Sister, is the man of God come?

Lady Town. He waits your leisure.