Volume Iv Part 118 (2/2)

_Geo._ Is this your ill Luck, Sir?

_Wel._ 'Sdeath, all the while I took her for a Man: But finding me asleep, she softly rose; and, by a Light yet burning in my Chamber, she writ this Billet, and left it on my Table.

[Gives it _George_, he reads it.

_Geo._ By all that's good, _Olivia_!--And were you very honest, Sir?

_Wel._ To my eternal Shame, as chaste as Ice.

_Geo._ What will you say now, _Charles_, if I bring this Woman to you again?

_Wel._ Canst thou? Oh, let me kiss thy Lips away.

_Geo._ For all her Frolick, _Charles_, she's very honest, a Fortune, and of Quality--and were't not for _Olivia_, thou shouldst marry her.

_Wel._ _Olivia_ I ne'er saw, and now 'twill be too late.

_Geo._ Nay then, Sir, I must fight in her Defence.

_Wel._ You fight in her defence! Why, dost thou love her?--By all that's good, I will resign her to thee.

_Geo._ You shall not, Sir; and know she is my Sister.

_Wel._ _Olivia_ thy Sister!--

_Geo._ Ask no more Questions, but defend your self, if you refuse to marry her; for her Honour's mine.

_Wel._ Were she an Angel, I must love this Woman.

_Geo._ Then thou shall have her--Haste, and get a Licence--no more--trust my Friends.h.i.+p--Go.

[Exit _Welborn_.

Enter _Olivia_.

_Olivia_, where did you lie last Night?--Nay do not blush, for you may yet be virtuous.

_Oliv._ Virtuous! Not the young Roses in the bud secur'd, nor breaking Morn ungaz'd at by the Sun, nor falling Snow has more of Purity.

_Geo._ I do believe you; but your dangerous Frolicks will make the World talk shamefully.

_Oliv._ Let him talk on, I will not humour Fools.

_Geo._ No more--here's _Manage_--Contrive an a.s.signation with _Mirtilla_; but do not hide again where none may find you. This done, I'll tell you more, and make you happy. How now, _Manage_, is the Prince stirring?

_Man._ He's in his Dressing-Room, Sir.--This from my Lady, Sir.

[Slides the Letter into _Olivia's_ Hand as she pa.s.ses out.

_Geo._ What have you there, Olivia? [Takes the Billet.

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