The Nephews: A Play, in Five Acts. Part 11

_Lewis._ My doubts--the disorder of my affairs--

_Mr. D._ [smiling]. We will soon put them in order.

_Lewis._ Then you give your consent?

_Mr. D._ [earnestly]. Yes!--But you will alter your mode of living?

_Lewis._ You shall be satisfied with my conduct.

_Mr. D._ Yes, yes. I always said you had many excellent qualities, and would turn out well, if once they were awakened; thank G.o.d, they are!

_Lewis._ Besides, this marriage gives me some hopes of an honourable place.

_Mr. D._ Not exactly the marriage; but----

_Lewis._ Why not? has any body more interest than the Chancellor?

_Mr. D._ No; but he may not interest himself much about your affairs for the future.

_Lewis._ Now more than ever, most a.s.suredly.

_Mr. D._ Now?

_Lewis._ As I marry his daughter.

_Mr. D._ What do you say?

_Lewis._ As I marry his daughter.

_Mr. D._ Whom do you marry?

_Lewis._ Miss Fleffel.

_Mr. D._ No, never!

_Lewis._ How? why not?

_Mr. D._ No! by all that is sacred you shall not marry her!

_Lewis._ Inconceivable! you gave your consent.

_Mr. D._ I withdraw it.

_Lewis._ [sneeringly] Very extraordinary! then why give it?

_Mr. D._ [harshly]. I misunderstood you.

_Lewis._ So! cunning enough! to put me first off my guard.

_Mr. D._ Be so good as to leave me.

_Lewis._ To give me confidence!

_Mr. D._ Leave me, I say.

_Lewis._ That you might more easily draw my secret from me!

_Mr. D._ For G.o.d's sake leave me!

_Lewis._ A fine trick for a man who glories in his sincerity!

_Mr. D._ Sir, I warn you----

_Lewis._ Who boasts of his plain dealing; yet, in spite of his honesty, commits acts----

_Mr. D._ Young man, be silent!

_Lewis._ Acts that any body would be ashamed of. Sir, you may know I have always seen through your mask. We have only two years more to be concerned with each other. You may release yourself before, if you please.--I thank you for all your cares.

_Mr. D._ Ungrateful miscreant!--Oh, my child, my poor child!

_Lewis._ So! you perhaps had other designs?

_Mr. D._ Yes, yes, I had. My child--I would have confided her to you.--She loves you--Now go, relate your triumphs; defame her, and me also.

_Lewis._ Indeed, Sir, I am grieved.

_Mr. D._ Say that I made offers; that I proposed the match, and was refused.--Oh, my unhappy Augusta!--Go, leave my house--never let me see you more!

_Lewis_ [hastily]. I a.s.sure you I have the highest esteem for Miss Augusta.

_Mr. D._ My daughter is virtuous, and wants not the testimony of a----, not yours.

_Lewis._ I protest.

_Mr. D._ I hate your protestations. Never mention her again; promise me that solemnly.

_Lewis._ I give----

_Mr. D._ It is to no purpose; speak no more--but if you, in any respect whatever, insult my daughter----you know me. [Wipes his forehead--pause] We have done--adieu, Sir!

_Lewis_ [coldly]. And in respect to my marriage----

_Mr. D._ I will tell you in the afternoon.

_Lewis._ Very well. [Exit Lewis.

_Mr. D._ Is it come to this? Now I see my misfortune clearly [throws himself into a chair]. Is this my reward! What must be done now?