turning. It is true, I have no absolute studies; but, really, Sir, I shall be obliged to you, if you will give me leave to go. 448

Sir John. Come, come, my dear Lionel, I have for some time observed a more than ordinary gravity growing upon you, and I am not to learn the reason of it: I know, to minds serious, and well inclined, like yours, the sacred functions you are about to embrace

Lion. Dear Sir, your goodness to me, of every kind, is so great, so unmerited! Your condescension, your friendly attentions-in short, Sir, I want words to ex.. press my sense of obligations

Sir John. Fie, fie, no more of them. By my last letters, I find that my old friend, the rector, still continues in good health, considering his advanced years. You may imagine I am far from desiring the death of so worthy and pious a man; yet, I must own, at this time, I could wish you were in orders, as you might then perform the ceremony of my daughter's marriage; which would give me a secret satisfaction.

Lion. No doubt, Sir, any office in my power, that could be instrumental to the happiness of any in your family, I should perform with pleasure.

469

Sir John. Why, really, Lionel, from the character of her intended husband, I have no room to doubt, but this match will make Clarissa perfectly happy : to be sure, the alliance is the most eligible, for both families.

Lion. If the gentleman is sensible of his happiness in the alliance, Sir.

Sir John. The fondness of a father is always suspected of partiality; yet, I believe, I may venture to say, that few young women will be found more unexceptionable than my daughter: her person is agreeable, her temper sweet, her understanding good; and, with the obligations she has to your instruction

Lion. You do my endeavors too much honour, Sir: I have been able to add nothing to Miss Flowerdale's accomplishments, but a little knowledge in matters of small importance to a mind already so well improved.

Sir John. I don't think so; a little knowledge, even in those matters, is necessary for a woman, in whom, I am far from considering ignorance as a desireable characteristic: when intelligence is not attended with impertinent affectation, it teaches them to judge with precision, and gives them a degree of solidity necessary for the companion of a sensible man.

for

493

Lion. Yonder's Mr. Jenkins: I fancy he's looking you, Sir.

Sir John. I see him; he's come back from Colonel Oldboy's; I have a few words to say to him; and will return to you again in a minute.

SCENE VIII.

LIONEL afterwards CLARISSA, and then JENNY, who enters abruptly, and runs out again.

Lion. To be a burthen to one's self, to wage continual war with one's own passions, forced to combat, unable to overcome! But see, she appears, whose presence turns all my sufferings into transport, and makes even misery itself delightful. 503

Perhaps, Madam, you are not at leisure now; otherwise, if you thought proper, we would resume the subject we were upon yesterday.

Clar. I am sure, Sir, I give you a great deal of trouble.

Lion. Madam, you give me no trouble; I should think every hour of my life happily employed in your service; and as this is probably the last time I shall have the satisfaction of attending you upon the same occasion

Clar. Upon my word, Mr. Lionel, I think myself extremely obliged to you; and shall ever consider the enjoyment of your friendship

Lion. My friendship, Madam, can be of little moment to you; but if the most perfect adoration, if the warmest wishes for your felicity, though I should never be witness of it: if these, Madam, can have any merit to continue in your remembrance, a man once honoured with a share of your esteem→→

522

Clar. Hold, Sir-I think I hear somebody.

Lion. If you please, Madam, we'll turn over this celestial globe once more-Have you looked at the book I left you yesterday ?

Clar. Really, Sir, I have been so much disturbed in my thoughts for these two or three days past, that I have not been able to look at any thing.

529

Lion. I am sorry to hear that, Madam; I hope there was nothing particular to disturb you. The care Sir John takes to dispose of your hand in a manner suitable to your birth and fortune.

Clar. I don't know, Sir;-I own I am disturbed; I own I am uneasy; there is something weighs upon my heart, which I would fain disclose.

Lion. Upon your heart, Madam! did you say your

heart?

Clar. I did, Sir,- -I

539

Jen. Madam! Madam! Here's a coach and six driving up the avenue: It's Colonel Oldboy's family; and, I believe the gentleman is in it, that's coming to court you.-Lord, I must run and have a peep at him out of the window.

Lion. Madam, I'll take my leave.

Clar. Why so, Sir?-Bless me, Mr. Lionel, what's the matter!-You turn pale.

Lion. Madam!

Clar. Pray speak to me, Sir.-You tremble.-Tell me the cause of this sudden change.-How are you?— Where's your disorder?

Lion. Oh fortune! fortune!

551

Dian. My dear Clarissa-I'm glad I have found you alone.-For Heaven's sake, don't let any one break in upon us ;-and give me leave to sit down with you a little-I am in such a tremour, such a panicClar. Mercy on us, what has happened?

569

Dian. You may remember I told you, that when I was last winter in London, I was followed by an odious fellow, one Harman; I can't say but the