Sid. And yet, Charles, give me leave to observe, that Lady Rodolpha has a goodness of heart, and a kind of vivacity, that not only entertains, but, upon seeing her two or three times, improves upon you, and when her torrent of spirits abates, and she condescends to converse gravely-you really like her.

Eger. Why, ay; she is sprightly, good-humoured, has principles, and a good heart. But in a partner for life, Sidney (you know your own precept-your own judgment) affection, capricious in its nature, must have something, even in the external manners—— nay, in the very mode, not only of beauty but of virtue itself-which both heart and judgment must approve ; or, our happiness in that delicate point cannot be lasting.

Sid. I grant it.

Eger. And that mode, that amiable essential, I never can meet with-but in Constantia. You sigh !

Sid. No, I only wish, that Constantia had a fortune equal to yours-but, pray, Charles, suppose I had been so indiscreet as to have agreed to marry you to Constantia, would she have consented, think you?

so.

Eger. That I cannot say positively; but I suppose

Sid. Did you never speak to her then upon that subject?

Eger. In general terms only: never directly requested her consent in form. But I will this very moment -for I have no asylum from my father's arbitrary de sign, but my Constantia's arms.-Pray do not stir from hence. I will return instantly.

[Exit EGERTON.

Sid. Poor Charles! he little dreams, that I love Constantia too; but to what degree I knew not myself, till he importuned me to join their hands-Yes, I love, but must not be a rival; for he is dear to me as fraternal fondness-My benefacior, my friend!

Enter BETTY, running up to him.

Betty. I beg your worship's pardon for my intrusion; I hope I do not disturb your reverence. Sid. Not in the least, Mrs. Betty.

Betty. I humbly beg pardon, sir.-but I-I-I wanted to break my mind to your honour about aa-a scruple-that-that lies upon my conscience— and indeed I should not have presumed to trouble you —but that I know you are my young master's friend; and my old master's friend, and my lady's friend, and indeed a friend to the whole family-for to give you your due, sir, you are as good a preacher as ever went into a pulpit.

Sid. Ha ha ha! do you think so, Mrs. Betty? Betty. Ay, in truth do I-and as good a gentleman too, as ever came into a family, and one that never gives a servant a hard word; nor that dees any one an ill-turn-neither behind one's back, nor before one's face.

Sid, Ha! ha ha! Why you are a mighty well spoken woman, Mrs. Betty: and I am mightily beholden to you for your good character of me.

Betty. Indeed, sir, it is no more than you deserve, and what all the servants say of you.

Sid. I am much obliged to them, Mrs. Betty. But pray what are your commands with me?

Betty. Why I will tell your reverence--to be sure I am but a servant, as a body may say; and every tub should stand upon its own bottom-but

[She takes hold of him familiarly, looking first about very cautiously, and speaks in a low familiar tone of great secrecy.

My young master is now in the china room;--in close conference with Miss Constantia. I know what they are about-but that is no business of mine-and therefore I made bold to listen a little, because you know

sir, one would be sure-before one took away any body's reputation.

Sid. Very true, Mrs. Betty-very true, indeed.

Betty. Oh! Heavens forbid that I should take away any young woman's good name, unless I had a reason for it but, sir-if I am in this place alive-as I listened with my ear close to the door, I heard my young master ask Miss Constantia the plain marriage question-Upon which I started-I trembled-nay, my very conscience stirred within me so--that I could not help peeping through the keyhole.

.

And there

Sid. Ha! ha! ha! and so your conscience made you peep through the keyhole, Mrs, Betty? Betty. It did indeed, your reverence. I saw my young master upon his knees--Lord bless us; kissing her hand, as if he would eat it! and protesting and assuring her, he knew that your worship would consent to the match. And then the tears ran down her cheeks as fast

Sid. Ay!

Betty. They did indeed, sir;-I would not tell your reverence a lie for the world.

Sid. I believe it, Mrs. Betty. And what did Constantia say to all this?

Betty. Oh! Oh! she is sly enough-She looks as if butter would not melt in her mouth-but all is not gold that glisters-smooth water, you know runs deepest. I am sorry, very sorry, indeed-my young master makes himself such a fool-but-um!-

ha!take my word for it; he is not the man-for though she looks as modest as a maid at a christening -yet-a-when sweethearts meet-in the dusk of the evening and stay together a whole hour-—in the dark grove-and-a-aha! embrace-and kiss— and-weep at parting-why then-then you knowah! it is easy to guess all the rest.

Sid. Why, did Constantia meet any body in this manner?

-at

Betty. Oh! Heavens! I beg your worship will not misapprehend me! for I assure you, I do not believe they did any harm-that is-not in the groveleast not when I was there-and she may be honestly married, for aught I know.-She may be very honest, for aught I know-Heaven forbid I should say any harm of her-I only say--that they did meet in the dark walk-and perhaps nine months hence-ay-remember, sir,-I said that-a-certain person in this family-nine months hence-may ask me to stand godmother-only remember-for I think I know what's what-when I see it, as well as another.

Sid. No doubt you do, Mrs. Betty-ha! ha! ha! no doubt on't.

Betty. I do indeed, sir; and so your servant, sir; [Going, returns.] but I hope your worship will not mention my name in this business;—or, that you had any item from me about it.

Sid. I shall not, Mrs. Betty.

Betty. For indeed, sir, I am no busy body, nor do I love fending or proving-and I assure you, sir, I hate all tittling and tattling-and gossiping, and back, biting and taking away a person's character.

Sid. I observe you do, Mrs. Betty.

Betty. I do indeed, sir;-I am the farthest from it of any person in the world.

Sid. I dare say you are.

Betty. I am indeed, sir, and so, sir, your humble

servant.

Sid. Your servant, Mrs. Betty. Betty. So! I see he believes every word I say; that's charming-I will do her business for her I am resolved. [Aside.-Exit.

Sid. What can this ridiculous creature mean-by her dark walk--I see envy is as malignant in a paltry waiting wench, as in the vainest, or the most ambitious, lady of the court. It is always an infallible mark of the basest nature; and merit in the lowest, as in the

highest station must feel the shafts of envy's constant agents-falsehood and slander.

Enter SAM.

Sam. Sir, Mr. Egerton, and Miss Constantia, desire to speak with you in the china room.

Sid. Very well, Sam! [Exit SAM.] I will not see them-what's to be done?-inform his father of his intended marriage !-no ;-that must not be-for the overbearing temper, and ambitious policy of Sir Pertinax, would exceed all bounds of moderation. But this young man must not marry Constantia-I know it will offend him-no matter. It is our duty to of fend, when the offence saves the man we love from a precipitate action.-Yes, I must discharge the duty of my function, and a friend, though I am sure to lose the man, whom I intend to serve. [Exit.

ACT THE SECOND.

SCENE I.

A Library.

Enter EGERTON and CONSTANTIA.

Con. Mr. Sidney is not here, sir.

Eger. I assure you I left him here, and I begged

that he would stay till I returned.

Con. His prudence, you see, sir, has made him re