_Helen._ And you'll really lock me up in that room!
_Helen._ Now, dear papa, be persuaded; take my advice, and don't.
_Sir W._ If I _don't_, I wish you may be in Charles Austencourt's arms in three minutes from this present speaking.
_Helen._ And if you _do_, take my word for it I might be in his arms if I chose, in less than two minutes from this present warning.
_Sir W._ Might you so? Ha, ha! I'll give you leave if you can: for unless you jump into them out of the window, I'll defy the devil and all his imps to bring you together.
_Helen._ We shall come together without their assistance, depend on it, papa.
_Sir W._ Very well; and now, my dear, walk in.
_Helen._ With all my heart; only remember you had better not. (_He puts her in._)
_Sir W._ That's a good girl; and you, you baggage, in with you (_to Tiffany, who goes in._)
_Sir W._ (_shuts the door and locks it_) "Safe bind, safe find," is one of my lady Worret's favourite proverbs; and that's the only reason why I in general dislike it (_going._)
_Sir W._ Once more welcome, my dear Falkner. What brings you back so soon?
_Sir W._ I'm much obliged to you for the information. You have been a widower some years I believe.
_Sir W._ Envy you! what! because you are a widower? Eh? Zounds, I believe he is laughing at me (_aside._)
_Falk._ I am just informed that every thing is finally arranged between your lady and his lordship respecting Helen's marriage.
_Sir W._ Yes, every thing is happily settled.
_Sir W._ You are! I should have thought Mr. Falkner, that my daughter's happiness was dear to you.
_Falk._ It is, and therefore I do not wish to see her married to lord Austencourt.
_Sir W._ Why then what the devil is it you mean?
_Falk._ To see her married to the man of her heart, with whom I trust to see her as happy--as you are with lady Worret.
_Sir W._ Yes, ha! ha! ha! yes! but you are in jest respecting my daughter.
_Sir W._ Ay, in that very room. I've locked her up to keep her from that hot-headed young rogue, Charles Austencourt. Should you like to see her? She's grown a fine young woman.
_Sir W._ You'll be surprised, I can tell you.
_Sir W._ We'll pop in upon her when she least expects it. I'll bet my life you'll be astonished at her appearance.