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ACT THE THIRD.

SCENE I.

A Library.

Enter JEROME and SERVANT.

Jerome. Why, I never was so amazed in my life! Louisa gone off with Isaac Mendoza! what! steal away with the man whom I wanted her to marry very -elope with her own husband, as it were-it is impossible !

Serv. Her maid says, sir, they had your leave to walk in the garden, while you was abroad-The door by the shrubbery was found open, and they have not been heard of since. [Exit. Jerome. Well, it is the most unaccountable affair! 'sdeath! there is certainly some infernal mystery in it, I can't comprehend !

Enter SECOND SERVANT, with a Letter. Serv. Here is a letter, sir, from Signor Isaac.

[Exit. Jerome. So, so, this will explain-ay, Isaac Mendoza-let me see

Dearest Sir,

Reads.

You must, doubtless, be much surprised at my flight with your daughter-Yes, 'faith, and well I may-I had the happiness to gain her heart at our first inter

view-The devil you had!-But she having unfortunately made a vow not to receive a husband from your hands, I was obliged to comply with her whim-So, so! -We shall shortly throw ourselves at your feet, and I hope you will have a blessing ready for one, who will then be

Your son-in-law,

ISAAC MENDOZA.

A whim, hey? Why, the devil's in the girl, I think! This morning, she would die sooner than have him, and before evening, she runs away with him!-Well, well, my will's accomplished-let the motive be what it will and the Portuguese, sure, will never deny to fulfil the rest of the article.

Enter SERVANT, with another Letter.

Serv. Sir, here's a man below, who says he brought this from my young lady, Donna Louisa. [Exit. Jerome. How! yes it is my daughter's hand indeed! Lord, there was no occasion for them both to write; well, let's see what she says [Reads.

My dearest Father,

How shall I entreat your pardon for the rash step I have taken-how confess the motive?-Pish! hasn't Isaac just told me the motive ?-one would think they weren't together when they wrote-If I have a spirit too resentful of ill usage, I have also a heart as easily affected by kindness-So, so, here the whole matter comes out; her resentment for Antonio's ill usage has made her sensible of Isaac's kindness-yes, yes, it is all plain enough-well-I am not married yet, though with a man, I am convinced, adores me-Yes, yes, I dare say Isaac is very fond of her-But I shall anxiously expect your answer, in which, should I be sø

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[Exit.

could you gather no tidings of her?

one? O Clara! Clara!

That she was

was in every body's man was in pursuit of report-where she was of her, no one could take

fortunate as to receive your consent, you will make com

pletely happy,

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My consent? to be sure she shall have it !-'egad, I was never better pleased-I have fulfilled my resolution-I knew I should-Oh, there's nothing like obstinacy-Lewis!

Enter SERVANT.

Let the man, who brought the last letter, wait; and get me a pen and ink below. I am impatient to set poor Louisa's heart at rest-holloa! Lewis! Sancho!

Enter SERVANTS.

See, that there be a noble supper provided in the saloon to-night-serve up my best wines, and let me have music, d'ye hear?

Serv. Yes, sir.

[Exeunt. Jerome. And order all my doors to be thrown open -admit all guests, with masks or without masksI'faith, we'll have a night of it—And I'll let them see how merry an old man can be.

SONG.

Oh, the days when I was young,
When I laugh'd in fortune's spite,
Talk'd of love the whole day long,
And with nectar crown'd the night!
Then it was, old father Care,

Little reck'd Ï of thy frown,
Half thy malice youth could bear,
And the rest a bumper drown.

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