Page:The Clandestine Marriage (1766).djvu/76

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The CLANDESTINE MARRIAGE,

from you than from myſelf; and I doubt not but you'll gain his friendſhip and protection at once.—His influence and authority will put an end to Sir John's ſollicitations, remove your aunt's and ſiſter's unkindneſs and ſuſpicions, and, I hope, reconcile your father and the whole family to our marriage.

Fanny. Heaven grant it! Where is my Lord?

Lovew. I have heard him and Canton ſince dinner ſinging French ſongs under the great walnut-tree by the parlour door. If you meet with him in the garden, you may diſcloſe the whole immediately.

Fanny. Dreadful as the taſk is, I'll do it.—Any thing is better than this continual anxiety.

Lovew. By that time the diſcovery is made, I will appear to ſecond you.—Ha! here comes my Lord.—Now, my dear Fanny, ſummon up all your ſpirits, plead our cauſe powerfully, and be ſure of ſucceſs.—

[going.

Fanny. Ah, don't leave me!

Lovew. Nay, you muſt let me.

Fanny. Well; ſince it muſt be ſo, I'll obey you, if I have the power. Oh Lovewell!

Lovew. Conſider, our ſituation is very critical. To-morrow morning is fixt for your departure, and if we loſe this opportunity, we may wiſh in vain for another.—He approaches—I muſt retire.—Speak, my dear Fanny, ſpeak, and make us happy!

[Exit.

Fanny alone.

Good heaven, what a ſituation am I in! what ſhall I do? what ſhall I ſay to him? I am all confuſion.


Enter Lord Ogleby, and Canton.

Lord Ogle. To ſee ſo much beauty ſo ſolitary, Madam, is a ſatire upon mankind, and 'tis fortunate that one man has broke in upon your reverie for the credit of our ſex.—I ſay one, Madam, for poor

Canton