_Mari._ Oh! Miss Courtney! my sweet Miss Courtney! Mr Vapid, here, has run away with me, and I am so frightened for fear of Lady Waitfor't.
_Louisa._ Yes, she may well alarm you,--she has destroyed my peace for ever! but have you seen Mr Neville? yet, why do I ask!
_Vapid._ Seen Mr Neville!--What, doesn't he yet know you are in his lodgings?
_Louisa._ No, and I hope never will--the moment his brother returns, I shall set out for my uncle's, and perhaps never see him more.
_Louisa._ Because I cannot bear the sight of one I have so injured.
_Vapid._ This'll do--mutual equivoque! equal misunderstanding! my own case exactly!
_Mari._ Your own case! Lord! you base man, have you got a young lady in your lodgings?
_Vapid._ Ridiculous! don't talk about young ladies at such an awful--the very situation in my comedy! the last scene to a syllable!--here's an opportunity of improving the denouement!
_Peter._ Ma'am, my master is returned--the occasion of his delay has been a long interview with Mr Willoughby,--he doesn't know you are here.
_Louisa._ Marianne, excuse me--you'll be safe from Lady Waitfor't here--indeed I'm very ill.
_Louisa._ Alas! any where to avoid him--farewell! and may you enjoy that happiness I have for ever lost! [_Exit._
_Mari._ Poor dear girl! I mustn't leave her thus--Mr Vapid, we won't run away till something is done for her.
_Vapid._ Go,--there's a good girl--follow her, and comfort her.
_Mari._ I will--Lord! if they must be happy in being friends again, what must I be who make them so! [_Exit._
_Vapid._ The picture before me! all from nature,--I must heighten his distress, for contrast is every thing--Peter, not a word for your life.
_Nev._ Vapid, I am glad to see you--any letter from my brother? [_To PETER._
_Nev._ Then I need doubt no longer--'tis evident he avoids me--cruel, ungenerous Floriville!-- [_Seats himself._
_Vapid._ [_Leaning over his Chair._] Miss Courtney will never see you again.
_Nev._ I know it--too well I know it--that, and that alone, makes me determined to leave this country for ever.
_Vapid._ Then stop.--[_Sits by him._] She was an angel, Harry.
_Nev._ [_Rising._] 'Sdeath!--don't torment me!--my griefs are already beyond bearing.
_Vapid._ It will do--he's as unhappy as I could wish.