Flower. Luce clarius.
Lord Ogle. Upon my word, ladies, if you have often theſe frolicks, it would be really entertaining to paſs a whole ſummer with you. But come, [to Betty] open the door, and intreat your amiable miſtreſs to come forth, and diſpel all our doubts with her ſmiles.
Betty. [opening the door.] Madam, you are wanted in this room. [pertly.
Enter Fanny, in great confuſion.
Miſs Sterl. You ſee ſhe's ready drefs'd—and what confuſion ſhe's in!
Mrs. Heidel. Ready to pack off, bag and baggage!—her guilt confounds her!—
Flowers. Silence in the court, ladies!
Fanny. I am confounded, indeed, Madam!
Lord Ogle. Don't droop, my beauteous lilly! but with your own peculiar modeſty declare your ſtate of mind.—Pour conviction into their ears, and raptures into mine. [ſmiling.
Fanny. I am at this moment the moſt unhappy—moſt diſtreſt—the tumult is too much for my heart—and I want the power to reveal a ſecret, which to conceal has been the misfortune and miſery of my—my— [faints away.
| Lord Ogle. She faints; help, help! for the faireſt, and beſt of women! | ſpeaking all at once. | |
| Betty. [running to her.] O my dear miſtreſs!—help, help, there!— | ||
| Sir John. Ha! let me fly to her aſſiſtance. |
Lovewell ruſhes out from the chamber.
Lovew. My Fanny in danger! I can contain no longer.—Prudence were now a crime; all other cares are loſt in this!—ſpeak, ſpeak, to me, my deareſt Fanny! let me but hear thy voice, open your eyes, and bleſs me with the ſmalleſt ſign of life!
[during this ſpeech they are all in amazement.
Miſs Sterl. Lovewell!—I am eaſy.—
Mrs.
