ship off both her father and her country lover for the Indies? Lord T. O no! Only let them contemplate the inside of a ship, for a day or two. Lady F. Well, but after all, my lord, this is a very bold undertaking. I don't think you'll be able to put it in practice. Lord T. Nothing so easy, 'pon honour.-This artifice must, at least, take them out of the way for some time, and, in the meanwhile, measures may be concerted to carry off the girl. Enter a SERVANT. Serv. Mrs. Oakly, madam, is at the door, in her chariot, and desires to have the honour of speaking to your ladyship, on particular business. Lord T. Mrs. Oakly! what can that jealous-pated woman want with you? Lady F. No matter what.—I hate her mortally.Let her in. Lord T. What wind blows her hither? [Exit SERVANT. Lady -She comes, you may be sure, on some occasion relating to this girl: in order to assist young Oakly, perhaps, to sooth me, and gain intelligence, and so forward the match; but I'll forbid the banns, I warrant you.- -Whatever she wants, I'll draw some sweet mischief out of it.- -But, away! away!—I think I hear her-slip down the back stairs-or-stay, now I think on't, go out this way-meet her-and be sure to make her a very respectful bow, as you go out. Lord T. Hush! here she is! Enter MRS. OAKLY. [LORD TRINKET bows, and exit. Mrs. Oak. I beg pardon, for giving your ladyship this trouble. Lady F. I am always glad of the honour of seeing Mrs. Oakly. Mrs. Oak. There is a letter, madam, just come from the country, which has occasioned some alarm in our family. It comes from Mr. Russet- Lady F. Mr. Russet! Mrs. Oak. Yes, from Mr. Russet, madam; and is chiefly concerning his daughter. As she has the honour of being related to your ladyship, I took the liberty of waiting on you. Lady F. She is, indeed, as you say, madam, a relation of mine; but, after what has happened, I scarce know how to acknowledge her. Mrs. Oak. Has she been so much to blame then? Lady F. So much, madam!Only judge for yourself.. -Though she had been so indiscreet, not to say indecent, in her conduct, as to elope from her father, I was in hopes to have hushed up that matter, for the honour of our family.-But she has run away from me too, madam:-went off in the most abrupt manner, not an hour ago. Mrs. Oak. You surprise me. Indeed, her father, by his letter, seems apprehensive of the worst conse. quences. But does your ladyship imagine any harm has happened? Lady F. I can't tell-I hope not-But, indeed, she's a strange girl. You know, madam, young women can't be too cautious in their conduct. She is, I am sorry to declare it, a very dangerous person to take into a family. Mrs. Oak. Why, sure your ladyship knows of nothing, that has been carried on clandestinely between her and Mr. Oakly. [In disorder. Lady F. Mr. Oakly! Mrs. Oak. Mr. Oakly-no, not Mr. Oakly-that is, not my husband-I don't mean him not him-but his nephew-young Mr. Oakly. Lady F. Jealous of her husband! So, so! now I know my game. [Aside. Mrs. Oak. But pray, madam, give me leave to ask, was there any thing very particular in her conduct, while she was in your ladyship's house? Lady F. Why, really, considering she was here scarce a week, her behaviour was rather mysterious ;— letters and messages, to and fro, between her and I don't know who.-I suppose you know that Mr. Oakly's nephew has been here, madam? Mrs. Oak. I was not sure of it. Has he been to wait on your ladyship already on this occasion? Lady F. To wait on me!The expression is much too polite for the nature of his visit.-My Lord Trinket, -the nobleman whom you met as you came in, had, you must know, madam, some thoughts of my niece, and, as it would have been an advantageous match, I was glad of it: but, I believe, after what he has been witness to this morning, he will drop all thoughts of it. Mrs. Oak. I am sorry, that any relation of mine should so far forget himself Lady F. It's no matter his behaviour, indeed, as well as the young lady's, was pretty extraordinary— and yet, after all, I don't believe he is the object of her affections. Mrs. Oak. Ha! [Much alarmed. Lady F. She has certainly an attachment somewhere, a strong one; but his lordship, who was present all the time, was convinced, as well as myself, that Mr. Oakly's nephew was rather a convenient friend, a kind of go between, than the lover.- -Bless me, madam, you change colour!-you seem uneasy! What's the matter? Mrs. Oak. Nothing,- -madam,--nothing,-a little shocked, that my husband should behave so. Lady F. Your husband, madam! Mrs. Oak. His nephew, I mean.. -His unpardonable rudeness-But I am not well- -I am sorry I have given your ladyship so much trouble-I'll take my leave. Lady F. I declare, madam, you frighten me. Your being so visibly affected, makes me quite uneasy. I hope I have not said any thing——I really don't believe your husband is in fault. Men, to be sure, allow themselves strange liberties-But, I think, nay, I am sure, it cannot be so- -It is impossible! Don't let what I have said, have any effect on you. Mrs. Oak. No, it has not-I have no idea of such a thing. Your ladyship's most obedient-[Going, returns.]-But, sure, madam, you have not hearddon't know any thing. Lady F. Come, come, Mrs. Oakly, I see how it is, and it would not be kind to say all I know. I dare not tell you what I have heard. Only, be on your guard--there can be no harm in that. Do you be against giving the girl any countenance, and see what effect it has. Mrs. Oak. I will--I am much obliged-But does it appear to your ladyship, then, that Mr. Oakly Lady F. No, not at all-nothing in't, I dare say—I would not create uneasiness in a family-but I am a woman myself, have been married, and can't help feeling for you. But don't be uneasy, there's nothing in't, I dare say. Mrs. Oak. I think so. -Your ladyship's humble servant. Lady F. Your servant, madam.--Pray don't be alarmed; I must insist on your not making yourself uneasy. Mrs. Oak. Not at all alarmed-not in the least uneasy-Your most obedient. [Exit. Lady F. Ha! ha! ha! There she goes, brimful of anger and jealousy, to vent it all on her husband.Mercy on the poor man! Enter LORD TRINKET. Bless me, my lord, I thought you was gone! Lord T. Only into the next room. My curiosity would not let me stir a step further. I heard it all, and was never more diverted in my life, 'pon honour. Ha ha ha! Lady F. How the silly creature took it.-Ha! ha! ha! Lord T. Ha ha! ha!-My dear Lady Freelove, you have a deal of ingenuity, a deal of esprit, 'pon honour. Lady F. A little shell thrown into the enemy's works, that's all. Both. Ha ha! ha! ha! Lady F. But I must leave you-I have twenty visits to pay. You'll let me know how you succeed in your secret expedition. Lord T. That you may depend on. Lady F. Remember, then, that to-morrow morning I expect to see you. At present, your lordship will excuse -Who's there? [Calling to the SERVANTS.] Send me. Epingle into my dressing-room. [Exeunt. Scene II.-Mr. Oakly's House. Enter HARRIET, following WILLIAM, Har. Not at home! Are you sure, that Mrs. Oakly is not at home, sir? Will. She is just gone out, madam. |