Q cn Q Q CO •-< i>- CJ> tQ ^-. r-i ^0 n'^est, I meant to let you know, that in compunou v/ith virtues, I have no esteem for a youthful or a beautiful face. Lady C. Oh dear ! how you and I differ ! for I here declare, I do love a beautiful youthful face, bet- ter than I love any thing in the whole world. Sir A (in a half smothered rage) Leuve the room ■—leave the room instantly, {after a violent strug- gle.) No ; come back — come back, my dear — {ten- derly) — {aside) I'll be in a good humour presently — but not just yet Yes — I ivill get the better of it — I won't use her ill — I have sworn at the altar not to use her ill, and I will keep my vow. {he sits downy affecting fierfect composure, and after a /ijufft) — Pray, Lady Contest, pray, have not you heard from your mother yet ? Lady C. Not a line, nor a word. Sir A. It is wonderful that she s'^ould not send us a very proper address! There is uo doubt bui ihat every letter we have sent to her since she his been sent abroad, has miscarried. lia\V''^'er, it wiU be great joy and pride to her, when she hears of your marriage. Lady C. Yes — for she always said 1 was not born to make h\s fortune. Sir A. Which prediction 1 have annulled. And after all — come hi her — come hither — {takes her kindly by ihe haici) .;nd alter all, I do not reptnt that I have ; for although I cannot say that you possess all 12 WEDDING [Inchbald those qualifications which my first wife did, yet you behave very well, considering your age. Lady C. And I am sure so do you, considering yours. Sir ji. All my resolution is gone, and I can keep my temper no longer, {aside) Go into your own chamber immediately, {he takes her by the hand and puts her off) I'll — I'll — I'll — {threatening as if going to follonv her,, then stops short) No, 1*11 go another way. (as he is going off at the opfiosite side, enter a servant) Ser, My young master and another gentleman. enter mr. contest and lord rakeland. Mr. C. {to sir Jdam) 1 kneel, sir, for your par- don and your blessing Sir ji. You have behaved very ill ; but as you ap- pear sensible o\ it, I forgive, and am glad to see you. But 1 expect that your future conduct shall give proof ot your repentance. My lord Rakeland, 1 beg pardon for introducing this subject before you ; but you are t.o; wholly unacquainted with it, I suppose? Lord R. Mr. Contest has partly informed me. {aside lo Air. Contest) — ask for your mother. Mr. C. I sincerely congratulate you on your nup- tials, sir, and 1 hope lady Contest is well. Sir .//. (going to the side of the scene) Desire lady Contest to walk this way. i.ord R. 1 sincerely congratulate you, too, sir Adam. Sit A. Thank yon, ray lord, thank you. {e^ter lady Contest — sir Adam takes her by the [hand and presents Mr. Contest to her) My dear, this is my t,on — and this, Tom, is your mother-in-law. Lady C. Dear sir Adam, {half laughing) I was never so surprised in my life ! Always when you spoke of your son you called Him Tom, and Tommy, and I expected to see a little boy. Sir A. And have yoth^ny objection to his being a man Act I] DAY. ^ IS Lady C. Oh no, I think I like him the better, {to Mr. Contest) Sir, I am glad to see you. Mr. C. I give your ladyship joy. (salutes her hand) Lady C. I shall be very fond of him, sir Adam — I shall like him as well as if he was my own. Sir .4. (aside) Now am I in a rage, lest seeing my son a man, she should be more powerfully re- minded that I am old ; and I long to turn him out of doors. But I won't — no — I'll be the kinder to him for this very suspicion. Come, Tom, let me shake hands with you — we have not shaken hands a great while ; and let this be a sign of the full renewal of my pater- nal affection. Lord R. Sir Adam, you have not introduced me to lady Contest. Lady C. Is this another son ? Sir A. What ! could you be fond of him too? Lady C. Yes, I could. Sir A, And like him as well as if he were your own? Lady C. Yes, I could. Sir A. But he is not my son. Lady C. I can't help thinking he is. {looking sted- fastly at him) Sir A. I tell you he is not. Lady C. Nay, nay, you are joking — I am sure he is. Sir A. {raising his voice) I tell you, no. Lady C. Why he is very like you. {she goes ufi to lord Rakeland, and looks in his face) No, he is not so like when you are close. I beg ten thousand par- dons, sir, you are not at all like sir Adam. Sir A. < (aside) Zounds! now I am jealous — ffnd I am afraid my propensity will get the belter of me. But no, it shan't — No, it shall not. My lord, I oeg your pardon, but I want half an hour's private conversation with my sou; you will excuse us? Lord R. Certainly, sir Adam — I beg you will make no stranger of me. U WEDDING [Inchbald Sir J. (faking Mr. Contest by the hand) Come, Tom — {aside) There, now, I have left them alone ; and 1 think this is triumphing over my jealousy pretty well. Well don«^ Sir Adam, well done, (exit with Mr. Contest^ Sir jidam smiling ivith self-afi- fduuse at the victory he has gained) Lord R. My dear lady Contest, though I acknow- ledge 1 have not the happiness to be your son, yet» permit me to bt g a blessing on my knees — *Tis this — tell me when and where I shall have the happi- ness of seeing you again ? Lady C. Dear sir, without any compliment, the happinevB will be done to me. Lord B. Enchanting woman ! appoint the time. Ladij C. ril ask Sir Adam. Lord H No — without his being present. Lady C. I don't know if I shaVt like that full as well. Luord R. Appoint a lime, then ; just to play a game at ciibb^ge. Lady C. Or what do you think of " Beggar my Nei;,hbourt'" — would not that do as well ? Lord R. Perfectly as well. The very thing. Lady C. But you must lake care how you play; for \x is a game vou may lose a great deal of money Lord R. But sir Adam must not know of it. enter sir adam, and s/ieaks aside. Sir A. Resolutions come and go 1 wish I could have kept mine, and staid away a little longer, (affect- ing good humour) What, my lord, here btill i* hold- ing conversation with this giddy woman? Lord R. (affecting coldness) I assure you, sir Adam, I am very well pleased with lady Contest's conversation. Lady C. And I am sure, my lord, I am very much pleased with yours. Act I] DAY. 15 Lord R. We have been talking about a game at cards. « Lady C. But you said sir Adam was not to be of the party. Lord R. Yes, sir Adam— but not Mr. Contest. Lady C. No, indeed, you said sir Adam. Lord R. Oh no. Lady C. {eagerly,) Yes — because, don't you re- member I s^id — and you made answer — Lord R. I don*t remember any thing — Lady C. What ! don't you remember kneeling for my blessing ? Sir J. How ! What i Lord R. Sir Adam, it would be a breach of good manners were I to contradict lady Contest a second time ; therefore I acknowledge that she is right— and that I have been in the wrong. [exit bowing- loitk great respect Lady C. (to sir Adam afiart^and Indling his sleeve) Won't you ask him to dinner i Sir A. Ask him to dinner ! What a difference be- tween you and my first wife ! — Would she have vvish- ed me to ask him to dinner ? would she have sufr:?red a man to kneel — Lady C. I did not suffer him to kneel a moment. Sir A. — But my first wife was a model of perfec- tion, and it is unjust to reproach you with the compa- rison. Yet I cannot help siaying — would she had lived ! Lady C. And I am sure I wish so, with all my heart. Sir A. {fetching a heavy sigh) But she was sudden - denly snatched from me. Lady C. How was it, sir Adam ? Were you not at sea together ? And so a storm rose— and so you took to the long boat — and she would stay in the ship — and so she called to you, and you would not go — and you called to her, and she would not come. And so youf ooat sailed, atid her ship sunk. 16 WEDDING [Inchbald Sir A. Don't, don't — I can't bear to hear it re- peated. I loved her too sincerely. But the only proof I can now give of my affection, is to be kind to her son ; and, as by what he acknowledged to nne, his heart 1 perceived was bent upon marriage, I have given him leave to introduce to me the lady on whom he has fixed his choice — and if I like her — Ladij C. Has he fixed his choice? Who is the young lady ? What is her name ? Sij' A, I did not ask her name. Lady C. But I hope you will give your consent, whoever she is. Sir A. And if I do, in a little time they may both wish I had not. Young people are so capricious they don't know their own minds half an hour. For in- stance, I dare say you think very highly of that young lord who was here just now ; but if you were to see him two or three times a weeV, you would cease to admire him. iMdij C. 1 should like to try. Do invite him here two or three times a week, on purpose to try. enter servant. Ser. Mr. and Mrs. Ploughman are come, sir, and dinner is almost ready. [^exic Lady C. {looking at her hands gix>es a violent scream) Oh ! Oh !— Oh dear ! sir Adam— Oh dear I Oh dear ! Oh dear ! Sir A. What's the matter ? What in the name of heaven is the matter ? Lady C. I wish I may die if I have not lost my wed- ding ring. — Oh ! 'tis a sure sign of some ill luck. Sir A. Here, John ! {enter servant) Go and look for your mistress's wedding ring; she has dropt it somewhere about the house. Lady C. I am. afraid it was in the street, as I stepp'd out of my coach. Oh ! indeed, sir Adam, it did not stick close. 1 remember I pulled my glove Act I] DAY. ir off just at that time ; go and look there, John, {exit servant) Oh ! sir Adam, some ill luck will certainly happen to one or both of us : you may depend upon it. Sir A. Childish nonsense ! What ill luck can hap- pen to us while we are good ? Lady C. But suppose we should not be good ? Sir A. We always may if we please. Lady C. 1 know we may. But then sometimes *tis a great deal of trouble. Sir A. Come, don't frighten yourself about omens ; you'll find your ring again. . Lady C. Do you think that young lord mayn't have found it ? Suppose we send to ask him ? Sir A. Did you miss it while he was here ? Lady C. No, nor should not have missed any thing, if he had staid till midnight. Sir A. {taking her by the hand) Come, come to dinner, {going, sto/is) But 1 must say this has been a very careless thing of you. My first wife would not have lost her wedding ring. Lady C. But indeed, sir Adam, mine did not fit. lexeune ACT IT. SCENE I — an afiartmcjit at Mr, Millden's, enter lady autumn and Mrs, hamford. Mrs. H. My dear lady Autumn, Mr. Contest is not of a proper age for a lover, much less for a husband of yours. Lady A. Mrs. Hamford, I believe, old as you pre- tend to think me now, you thought me young but a lew weeks ago at Venice ; when, on your first landing 18 WEDDING [Inchbaid there, you imposed upon me your romantic tale, and piev'iiled with me to bring you to England. Mrs. H. Hold, madarr, do not conclude too has- tily, that, because I have for a few days since my arrival in my native country, deferred my promise of revealir.g to you my real name and my connections here, that I am for this reason an impostor. Lady A No ; upon recollection, you certainly have " beei. living on a savage island for these ten or twelve years, which gives you all these Hottentot ideas in respect to the advanced age of women. In some savage countries women are old at seventeen ; but in this enlightened nation we are all young at seventy. enter mr. millden. Mr. Mil. Lady Autumn, I make no apology for entering your apartment thus abruptly, because I come with good news— your daughter is married. Lady A. Married! What! while I have been abroid^ Mr. Mil. No doubt — But I cannot give you any particulars of the marriage, nor tell you even the gentleman's name, for I only passed her guardian by accident in his carriage, and 1 had not an opportunity to enquire, nor he to inform me farther, than "that it ■was a most advantageous union for your daughter, for that her husband is a man of fortune and title." Mrs. Ham. There, lady Autumn ! you find you have a daughter old enough to be a wife. Lcdy Ji. More shame for her— Why was not my consent asked? Mr. Mil. You were out of England, and no letters reached you. However, your daughter's guardian will call upon you in the evening, and explain to you every particular. Lady A. But now, my dear Mr. Millden, and you my dear Mrs. Hamford, don't let this marriage es- cape your lips, if Mr. Contest should call this even- ng for if my daughter's husband should not, after Act II] DAY. 19 all, be a man of some importance, I should wish to keep it a secret from Mr, Contest that I have a daughter married. {^exit Mr. Mil. Mrs. Hamford, I observe a gloo»-i) upon your countenance; I hope no enquiries you have made concerning any part of your family since you arrived in England — [lie takes her hand] — You trem- ble! What's the matter? Mrs. H. I tremble till a visit which I am now going to make is over; and then, waatever is my destiny, I trust in that Power which has supported me through numerous trials, to give me resignation. [^exeu7it scEKE II— ara aftartment at sir ad am contest's* enter lady contest^ folloived by her maid. Lady C. {fiuUing off her cloak) Has any body cal- led on mc, Hannah, since I have been out f Han. Yes, madam, an elderly gentlewoman ; but she refused to leave her name — she said she had particular business, and wanted to speak to you in private. Lady C. Then pray let me see her when she comes again. Han. I told her, madam, that you were only gone to the milliner's in the next street. Lady C. Has any body else called, Hannah ? Han. No, ma'am. enter a servant. Ser. Lord Rakeland, if your ladyship is not en- gaged— Lady C. {drawing Hannah on one side) Oh ! Han- nah, Hannah! is this the elderly gentlewoman ! — Oh ! for shame, Hannah! — However, poor Hannah, don't be uneasy, I won't be very angry with you. (to the servant) You may desire his lordship to waik up. ^exit servant 20 WEDDING [Inchbald Han. Upon my word, my lady — Lady C. Oh, hold your tongue, Hannuh — you !fe:now this is the elderly gentlewoman you meant — but no matter ; I am almost every bit as well pleased. [exit Hannah- enter lord rakeland. Lord R. My adorable lady Contest — Lady C. I hope you are very well — but I need not ! ask, for \ou look, channingly. Lord R. And you look like a divinity ! I met sir Adam this moment in his carriage going out, and that emboldened me — Ladij C. Yes, sir, he is gone out a little while with my guardian ; b'Jt he'll soon be back. I suppose, sir, you called to play a hand of cards. Lord R. No — my errand was to tell you — I love you ; I adore you ; and to plead for your love in re- turn. Lady C. But that is not in my power to give. Lady R. You cannot possibly have given it to sir Adam ? Lady C. I shan't tell you what I have done with it. I^ord R. You could love me ; I know you could. Lady C. If you were my husiband I would try aiid then, perhaps, take all the pains I would, I c juld not. Lord R. Oh ! that I were your husband ' (kneeling) Lady C. You would not kneel so i^'you were. Not even on the wedding day. Lord R. No, but I would clasp you thus. {throiving his arms round her) Lady C Oh dear ! Oh dear ! 1 am afraid t.ir Ad- am's Hrst wife would not have sufTered tins ! Lord R. Why talk of sir Adam f* Oh ! that you were insne instead of his! Lady C. And would you really marry me, if I were single ? ActH] PAY. 21 Lord R. Would I ? — yes — this instant, were you unmarried, this instant, with rapture, I would be- come your happy bridegroom. Lady C. I wonder what sir Adam would say were he to hear you talk thus ; he suspected you were in love with me at the very first — I can't say I did — I suspected nothing — but I have found a great deal. Lord R. Nothing to my disadvantage, I hope ? Lady C. No — nor any thing that shall be of dis- advantage tp sir Adam. Lord R. Why are you perpetually talking of your husband ? Lady C. Because, when I am in your company,* I am always thinking of him. hord R' Do I make you think of your husband? Lady C. Yes — and you make me tremble for him. Lord R. Never be unhappy about sir Adam. hady C. I won't — and he shall never have cause to be unhappy about me — for I'll go lock myself up till he comes home, {going'] hord R. (holding' her) What are you alarmed at ? Is there any thing to terrify you either in my counte- nance or address ? — In your presence, I feel myself an object of pity, not of terror. Lady C. Ay, but this may be all make-believe, like the poor little boy in the song. ^ SONG. In the dead of the night, when, with labour opprest, All mortals enjoy the calm blessings of ease, Cupid knock'd at my window, disturbing- my rest, "Who's there ? I demanded — begone, if you please- ' II. He answered so meekly, so modest, and mild. Dear ma'am, it is I, an unfortunate child ; c 2 22 WEDDING [Inchbald 'Tls a cold rainy night,' I am wet to the skin ; I have lost my way, ma'am, so pray let me in. - III. No sooner from wet and from cold he got ease, Than taking- his bow, he cry'd, Ma'am, if you please, Ifyou please, ma'am, I would by experiment know If the rain has damaged the string of my bow. Then away sklpp'd the urchin as brisk as a bee, And, laughing, I wish you much joy, ma'am, said he ; My bow is undamag'd, for true went the dart. But you will have trouble enough Mith your heart. [going enter servant. Scr. A Irtuy, a stranger, who mrs. Hannah says your ladvship gave orders should be admitted — Ladi/ C. Very true — desire her to walk in — shew her up. Icxil servant herd R. Who is it? iMciy C. 1 don't know — I can't tell — I thought you had been her : but I was n»istaken. hord R. Will she stay long ? Laf/i/ C. I don't know any thing about her. Lor^R. Dear lady Contest, do not let uje meet her on the stairs ; conceal me somewhere till she is gone. Here, I'll go into this dressing-room. [fte goes to a door^ ivhich (fads to the next cJiamber'] hadi/ C. Then you wiil hear our discourse. hord R. No ntatttr ; I will keep it a secret, hady C. No, no ; you must go away — out of the house. hord R. I can't, — I won't— don't expojie yourself before the lady. Act II] DAY. . 23 enter mrs. hamford. (Jord Rak eland goes into the next roo?n ; but stands at the door^ and listens to the conversa- lion of the C7isuing scene) Mrs. H. {courtseying to lady Contest) I beg pardon, madam. Ijady C. (courtseying) No apologies, madam. Airs. H. 1 am afraid I am not right ! {looking round) 'Lady C. Yes, madam ; pray, are not yoii the lady ■who called this afternoon and said you had particular business ? Mrs. H. I am. {looking earnestly at /zer)— and are you lady Contest ? Lady C. Yes, ma'am. Airs. H. Sir Adam's wife ! {in surprize) Lady C. Yes, ma'am, Sir Adam's wife — won't you please to sit down ? {they sit) Airs. H. There is then, lady Contest, a very ma- terial circumstance in my life, that I wish to reveal to you : and to receive from you advice how to act, rather than by confiding in the judgm^ nt of any of my own family, be flattered, by their partiality, into a blameable system of conduct. Snch is the nature of my present errand to you : but, to my great sur- prise, I find you so very, very young Lady C. Yes, ma'am, thank Heaven. Airs. H. You are very happy, I presume ? Lady C. {hesitating) Y-e-s, ma'am — yes, very hap|)y, ail things considered. AJrs. M. I am sorry then to be the messenger of news that will, most probably, destroy that happiness for ever. Lady C. Dear me I what news? You frighten me out of my wits ! {rising) Airs. H. You are now, lady Contest, newly mar- ried; in the height of youth, health, prosperity ; and 24 WEDDING [Inchbald I am the fatal object who, in one moment, may crush all those joys ! Lady C. Oh ! then pray don't — you'll break my heart it you do. What have I done, or what has happened to take away from me all my joys! — Where's my pocket-handkerchief ? {feeling in her pocket) Mr8. H. Here, take mine, and compose yourself. Lady C. (taking- it) Thank you, ma'am. M7's. H. And now, my dear, I will inform you — and at the same time flatter myself that you will deal frankly with me, and not restrain any of those sensa- tions which my tale may cause. Lady C. Dear madam, I never conceal any of my sensations — I can't if I would. Mrs. H. Then what will they be when I tell you — I am sir Adam Contest's wife — his wife whom he thinks drowned ; but who was preserved and restor- ed to life, though not till now restored to my own country. Lady C. Dear madam, I don't know any body on earth I should be happier to see ! (runs to her, em- 'braces, and hugs her repeatedly.) Mrs. H. But consider, my dear, you are no longer wife to sir Adam ! Lady C. And is that all ? — here, take your hand- kerchief again, (returns it to her) And come you out of your hiding place; (she goes to (he chamber Tjhere Lord Rakeland is — he enters confused, and doiving to Mrs. Hamford) come, come, for you need no longer conceal yourself now, or be miserable ; for I have no longer a husband to prevent my being your wife — or to prevent me from loving you — for oh ! oh ! I do — (checks herself) though I duist not say so before. Mrs H. May 1 enquire who this gentleman is ^ Lady C. A poor man that has been dying for love of me, even though he thought it a sin. Lord R. I beg pardon, and promise never to be guilty for the future — I wish you a good evening. Igoing Act II] DAY. , 25 Lady C. You are not going away ? Lord R. I have an engagement it is impossible to postpone — ^Good evening. Lady C. But you will soon come back, I hope ? — for I suppose you hold your mind to be my husband ? Lord R. Alas: that is a happiness above my hopes. Lady C. Above your hopes ! J^ord R. It is. Lady C. Then it shall be beneath mine. [Jie boivs^ and exit Airs, H. And is it possible that you can think of parting with sir Adam without the least reluctance ? Lady C. PH"ay, madam, when did you see sir Adam last ? Mrs. H. A.bou fifteen years ago. Lady C. He is greatly altered since that time. Mrs. H. Still will my affection be the same. Lady C. And so it ought ; for he loves you still — he is for ever talking of you ; and declares he never knew what happiness was since he lost you. Oh ! he will be so pleased to change me for you .' Mrs. H. I hope you do not flatter me ! Lady C. I am sure I don't — I expect him at home every minute, and then you'll see ! Mrs. H. Excuse me — at present I could not sup- port an interview. 1 will' take my leave till / hear irom you; and will confide in your artless and in- genuous friendship to inform sir Adam of my escape. Lflcfz/ C. You may depend upon me, lady Contest. Mrs. H. Adieu ! {going) hady C. Dear madam, I would insist on waiting upon you down stairs ; but I won't stand upon any ceremony with you in your own house. [^exii Mrs. Hamford (as lady Contest is g^ing off at the opposite side^ she stops on hearing sir ./^darn's voice without) Sir A. Nobody so plagued as I am with servants ! WEDDING [Inchbald enter sir ad am. l^ady C. Bless me ! sir Adam, I did not know, you were come home ! Sir A. I have been at home this quarter of an hour. The coachman has made himself tipsy on the joyful occasion of our marriage, and was very near dashing out my brains in turning a corner. Laf/y C. And is that worth being in such an ill temper about ? — Ah ! you would not be so cross, if you knew something. 8ir A. Knew what? — I have a piece of news to tell you. Lady C. And I have a piece of news to t^U you. Sir A. Your mother is arrived in town ; your guardian heard so this morning, but he did not men- tion it to me till this moment, because he thinks it is proper for him to wait upon, and acquaint her with our marriage in form, before I throw myself at her feet to ask her blessing. Lady C. Very well — with all my heart. And now, sir Adam, what do you think ? Sir A. What do I think ! Lady C. What will you give me to tell you some- thing that will make you go almost out of your wits with joy ? Sir A. What do you me«n ? — Have I got another estate left me.> Lady C. No: something better. Sir A. Better than that ! Lady C. A great deal better — you will tkink. Sir A. (ea^^r/z/)-— Has the county meeting agreed to elect me their representative ^ Lady C. No. Sir A. What! any thing better than that ? Lady C. A great deal better than that — and some- thing the most surprising! — Guess agam. Sir A. Pshaw ! I'll guess no more— I hate such: Act IIJ DAY. 27 teazing — it is unmannerly — would my first wife have served one so ? hady C. Now you have hit upon it. Sir A, Upon what ? l^ady C. Your first wife. Sir A. Ay, I shall never see her like again i Ijady C. No, but you may see her — for she is alive, and you nr«ay have her home as soon as you please. Sir A. What the deuce does the woman mean ? {trembling) hady C. Your first wife — escaped in the long boat — as surprising a story as Robinson Crusoe ! — I have seen her, and she longs to see you. Sir A. Why, what do you mean ? — (siill trembling) Alive? hady C. As much alive as I am. Sir A. And what does she intend to do? — {trem- bling) — Poor woman ! poor creature ! where does she intend to go ? hady C. Go ! come home, to be sure. Sir A. Home ! — what does she call her home ? hady C. You are her home. Sir A. 1 her home ! — Come to me ! — What can I do with her ? — and what is to become of you ? Lady C. Oh ! never mind me. Sir A. Yes, but I can't think, to part with you — {ready to cry) I can't think to turn a poor young creature like you upon the wide world. — Her age will secure her; she won't be in half the danger. Lady C. Poor soul ! if you knew what she has suf- fered — Sir A. And have I not suffered too? I am sure I have lamented her loss every hour of my life ; you have heard me. Lady C. And yet you don't seem half so much plea- sed at her return as I am. Sir A. I cannot help being concerned to think, what a melancholy twelve or fourteen years the poor wo- 2^ WEDDING [Inchbakl man has experienced ! most likely upori some desert - island, instead of being in heaven ! Lady C. But if you are concerned upon her account, you ought to be pleased upon your own, my dear — (checks herself) I beg your pardon ; I mean sir Adam. Sir ji. No, no, call me " my dear" — do not shew reserve to me already ; for if you do, you v^ill break my heart. Lady C. I would not break your heart for the world ^— and indeed, sir Adam — you will always bb dear to me — quite as dear when we are parted, dearer than if we were living together. Sir A. Don't talk of parting — Can you resolve to part froa) me ? Lady C. Yes, because I know you will be so much happier with your first wife. Sir A. But if our parting should give you any^uii- easiness— r Lady C, It won't a bit. Sir A. No ! Lady C. No, (soothing) — not when I know you are with that good, prudent woman, your first wife. Sir A. (aside) Now here is a time to exert my power over myself: what signifies having exerted it in trivial matters, if from a trial such as this I shrinkr* —(to her — making many efforts to get rid of his feel- ings) — Well, madam, I am prepared to see my first wife — and to part with my second. Lady C Then sit down and write to her, that you long to see her. Sir A. No! lean sacrifice all my sensations, but I cannot sacrifice truth. Lady C. Will you give me leave to write to her a kind letter for you, and invite her to come hither di- rectly ? Sir A. (after a struggle) You may do as you like. hady C. Ay, I shan't be with you long, and so you may as well let me have my own way while I stay. Acinj ■ DAY. -9 {she 'Tvriles — /le walks almut^ fitarfs, and shews vari- ous signs ofiineasijiess durmg the time) hadij C. Here they are ; only a few words, but very kind ; telling her to " fly to your impatient wishes." Here, John, (enter servant) this letter to Mr. Millden's immediately, {exit servant) — {she goes to sir Jdam)— Come, look pleased ;, consider how charming it is for old friends to meet. *SVr ji. Yes, if they are not too old. However, fear Moll.ing in regard to my conduct, for I w///, I wf//act properly — so properly, ihnt I will not trust my own judgment ; and the first person I consult shall be your moiher, and I'll go to her this instant, (going) Sure never such a strange, intricate affair ever ba|> pened before! — but strange as it is, I will act as I ought to do. My inclination may rebel, but my rea- son shall conquer — I will act as I ought to do. enter a servant. Ser. Lady Autumn and Mr. Contest. Sir yi. And iiere your mother comes most oppor- tunely. enter ?nr. contest and lady autumn. Mr. C. Sir Adam, according to ynur permission, I l;;ive tjrought the lady on whom 1 have placed my affections, to receive from — hady C. Oh ! my dear mother, hnw do you do ? — (running to lady yiutumn) Mr. C. Mother ! Your mother ! luady C. Vei — though she looks very well, does not she ? Mr. C. Tl)is is the lady on whom I have fixed my choice. Larf)/ C. Wl^.at, on my mamma ! Nay, Mr. Contest, now 1 am sure you aie joking — ha, ha, ha, ha — ha, ha, ha, ha, — fixed your choice on my mother ! Sir A. And sr.v nioihcr ! your father's moiher i— 13 so WEDDING [Inchbald Why, you are as bad as the man in the farce — fall in love with your grandmother ! hady C. Dear mamma, don't make yourself un- easy, if you have a mind to marry my son ; for there is a lady now at Mr. Millden's, and who is coming here, that will claim him for he?' son, and make me no longer wife to sir Adam. hadi/ A. This can be no other than Mrs. Hamford, vvhortl 1 brought to England. enter mr. millden. Mr. M. Mr. Contest, will you step for a moment to the person in the next room, {exit Mr. Contest) Sir A.dam Contest, I come to inform you, that there is a lady in the next room who has been near fainting at the sound of your voice. Sir A. And I believe I shall faint at the sound of hers. Mr. M. Her son is supporting her to you. €?iter mrs. HAmFORDy leaning on mr. contest. Lady C. Dear sir Adam, fly and embrace your first wife, {she goes to her) Dear lady Contest, not- withstanding his seeming insensibihty, he loves you to distraction; a thousand times has he declared to me, he did not think there was such a woman in the world. Sir A. And I did flatter myself, there was not. Mrs. H. {seeing sir Adam advance towards her) Oh ! sir Adam ! Sir A. Oh, my dear ! if you knew what I have suf- fered, and what I still suffer on your account, you would pity me. Lady A. Sir Adam, I give you joy of a wife that suits your own age. Sir A. And such a one shall my son marry, when he has my consent. Mrs. H. Come, come, sir Adam and lady Au- tumn, these mutual reproaches, for almost the self- Act II] DAY. 31 same fault, ought to convince you, that in your plans of wedlock you have both been wrong. Sir A. However, it shall be my endeavour to be henceforward right : for, after settling upon nny young bride a handsonfie dower, 1 will peaceably yield her up ; — and, though it is a hard struggle, yet, like all other struggles, it will, I have no doubt, give me hap- piness in the end. Lady* C. (crying till she sobs) Good b'ye, sir Adam — good b'ye — I did love you a little, upon my word; and if 1 was not sure you were going to be so much happier with your first wife, I should never know a moment*s peace. Sir A. 1 thank you. And at parting, all I have to request of you is — that you will not marry again till I die. Lady C. Indeed, sir Adam, I will not — but then you won't make it long ? Sir A. I believe I shan't. Lady C And my next husband shall be of my own age ; but he shall possess, sir Adam, your prin- ciples of honour. And then, if my wedding ring sliould unhappily sit loose, I will guard it with un- wearied discretion : and I will hold it sacred — even liiough it should pinch my finger. PRICE TWELVE AND A HALF CENTS, \ LIBRARY CONGRESS