_Eger_. But that, Constantia, can not be our case: my fortune is independent and ample,--equal to luxury and splendid folly. I have a right to choose the partner of my heart,
_Con_. But I have not, sir.--I am a dependant on my lady,--a poor, forsaken, helpless orphan--your benevolent mother found me--took me to her bosom--and there supplied my parental loss--with every tender care-- indulgent dalliance, and with all the sweet persuasion that maternal fondness, religious precept, polished manners, and hourly example could administer--she fostered me: [_weeps._] and shall I now turn viper,--and with black ingratitude sting the tender heart that thus hath cherished me? shall I seduce her house's heir, and kill her peace?--No--though I loved to the mad extreme of female fondness; though every worldly bliss that woman's vanity or man's ambition could desire, followed the indulgence of my love--and all the contempt and misery of this life, the denial of that indulgence--I would discharge my duty to my benefactress--my earthly guardian, my more than parent.
_Eger_. My dear Constantia, your prudence, your gratitude, and the cruel virtue of your self-denial, do but increase my love, my admiration, and my misery.
_Con_. Sir, I must beg you will give me leave to return these bills and jewels.
_Eger_. Pray do not mention them:--sure my kindness and esteem may be indulged so far without suspicion or reproach.--I beg you will accept of them,--nay--I insist.
_Con_. I have done, sir: my station here is to obey.--I know, sir, they are gifts of a virtuous mind--and mine shall convert them to the tenderest, and most grateful use.
_Eger_. Hark! I hear a coach:--it is my father.--Dear girl, retire and compose yourself.--I will send Sidney and my lady to you, and by their judgment we will be directed: will that satisfy you?
_Con_. I can have no will but my lady's.--With your leave I will retire; I would not see her in this confusion.
_Eger_. Dear girl, adieu! and think of love, of happiness, and the man who never can be blest without you. [_Exit_ Constantia.
_Sam_. Sir Pertinax and my lady are come, sir,--and my lady desires to speak with you in her own room:--oh! here she is, sir. [_Exit._
_Lady Mac_. [_In great confusion and distress._] Dear child, I am glad to see you: why did you not come to town yesterday to attend the levee? your father is incensed to the uttermost at your not being there.