a plain fellow as one Dennis O'Flaherty can please you, I think I may venture to say, without any disparagement to the gentleman in the fur gown there course to augment that failing.-A thought | able, hearty man, to repair his loss:-if such strikes me; have a commission that you must absolutely execute for me; I have immediate occasion for the sum of two hundred pounds: you know my fortune is shut up till I am of age; take this paltry box, it contains my ear-rings, and some other baubles I have no use for; carry it to our opposite neighbour, Mr. Stockwell; I don't know where else to apply; leave it as a deposit in his hands, and beg him to accommodate me with the sum. Charles. Dear Charlotte, what are you about to do? How can you possibly want two hundred pounds? Lady R. What are you going to say? don't shock my ears with any comparisons, I desire. O'Fla. Not I, my soul; I don't believe there's any comparison in the case. Re-enter LUCY, with a bottle and glass. drops-I'm all in a flutter. Miss R. How can I possibly do without it, same drops? Have you any more left in the O'Fla. Harkye, sweetheart, what are those you mean? Doesn't every lady want two hun-bottle? I didn't care if I took a little sip of dred pounds?-perhaps, I have lost it at play them myself. -perhaps, I mean to win as much to it-perhaps, I want it for two hundred different uses. Charles. Pooh! pooh! all this is nothing; don't I know you never play? Miss R. You mistake; I have a spirit to set, not only this trifle, but my whole fortune, upon a stake; therefore make no wry faces, but do as I bid you. You will find Mr. Stockwell a very honourable gentleman. Enter Lucy, in haste. Lucy. Dear Madam, as I live, hear comes the old Lady in a hackney coach. Miss R. The old chariot has given her a second tumble: away with you! you know your way out, without meeting her. Take the box, and do as I desire you. Charles. I must not dispute your orders. Farewell! [Exeunt CHARLES and Miss RuspoRT. Enter LADY RUSPORT leaning on MAJOR O'FLAHERTY'S arm. O'Fla. Rest yourself upon my arm: never spare it: 'tis strong enough: it has stood harder service than you can put it to. Lucy. Mercy upon me, what is the matter? I am frightened out of my wits-Has your ladyship had an accident? Lady R. O Lucy, the most untoward one in nature. I know not how I shall repair it. O'Fla. Never go about to repair it, my lady; even build a new one ; 'twas but a crazy piece of business at best. Lucy. Bless me, is the old chariot broke down with you again? Lady R. Broke, child; I don't know what might have been broke, if, by great good fortune, this obliging gentleman had not been at hand to assist me. Lucy. Dear Madam, let me run and fetch you a cup of the cordial drops. Lady R. Do, Lucy. [Exit Lucy.] Alas, Sir! ever since I lost my husband, my poor nerves have been shook to pieces; there hangs his beloved picture; that precious relic, and a plentiful jointure, is all that remains to console me for the best of men. O'Fla. Let me see-i'faith, a comely personage; by his fur cloak, I suppose, he was in the Russian service; and by the gold chain round his neck, I should guess he had been honoured with the order of St. Catharine. Lady R. No, no; he meddled with no St. Catharines-that's the habit he wore in his mayoralty; Sir Stephen was lord mayor of London-but he is gone, and has left me, a poor, weak, solitary widow, behind him. O'Fla. By all means, then, take a strong, restorative elixir, or the nervous golden drops; Lucy. Oh, Sir, they are called the cordial they are only for ladies' cases. men as well as ladies, that stand in need of O'Fla. Yes, yes, my dear, there are gentlethose same golden drops; they'd suit my case to a tittle. Lady R. Well, major, did you give old Dudley my letter, and will the silly man do as I bid him, and be gone. O'Fla. You are obey'd-he's on his march. Lady R. That's well; you have managed this matter to perfection; I didn't think he would have been so easily prevailed upon. O'Fla. At the first word: no difliculty in life; 'twas the very thing he was determined to do, before I came; obliging gentleman. never met a more Lady R. Well, 'tis no matter; so I am but rid of him, and his distresses: would you believe it, Major O'Flaherty, it was but this morning he sent a-begging to me for money to fit him out upon some wildgoose expedition to the coast of Africa, I know not where. O'Fla. Well, you sent him what he wanted? Lady R. I sent him what he deserved, a flat refusal. O'Fla. You refused him? vant O'Fla. Good morning to you-Your ser[Going. Lady R. Hey day! what ails the man? Where are you going? O'Fla. Out of your house, before the roof the little modicum that thirty years' hard serfalls on my head-to poor Dudley, to share vice has left me; I wish it was more, for his sake. I sha'n't attempt to stop you; I shall survive Lady R. Very well, Sir, take your course; it; it will not break my heart, if I never see you more. science, will it not.-You preach, and you ACT III. [Exit. [Exit. SCENE I-A Room in STOCKWELL's House. Stock. Gratify me so far, however, Mr. the sum she wants, and return the poor girl her box of diamonds, which Dudley left in my hands: you know what to say on the occasion better than I do; that part of your commission I leave to your own discretion, and you may season it with what gallantry you think fit. Bel. You could not have pitched upon a greater bungler at gallantry than myself, if you had rummaged every company in the city, and the whole court of aldermen into the bargain: part of your errand, however, I will do; but whether it shall be with an ill grace or a good one, depends upon the caprice of a moment, the humour of the lady, the mode of our meeting, and a thousand undefinable small circumstances, that, nevertheless, determine us upon all the great occasions of life. Stock. I persuade myself you will find Miss Rusport an ingenious, worthy, animated girl. Bel. Why, I like her the better, as a woman; but name her not to me as a wife! No, if ever 1 marry, it must be a stayed, sober, considerate damsel, with blood in her veins as cold as a turtle's; quick of scent as a vulture when danger's in the wind; wary and sharp-sighted as a hawk when treachery is on foot: with such a companion at my elbow, for ever whispering in my ear-Have a care of this man, he's a cheat; don't go near that woman, she's a jilt; overhead there's a scaffold, underfoot there's a well. Oh, Sir! such a woman might lead me up and down this great city without difficulty or danger; but with a girl of Miss Rusport's complexion, heaven and earth, Sir! we should be duped, undone, and distracted, in a fortnight. Stock. Ha! ha! ha! Why, you are become wondrous circumspect of a sudden, pupil: and if you can find such a prudent damsel as you describe, you have my consent-only beware how you choose: discretion is not the reigning quality amongst the fine ladies of the present time; and, I think, in Miss Rusport's particular, I have given you no bad counsel. Bel. Well, well, if you'll fetch me the jewels, I believe, I can undertake to carry them to her: but as for the money, I'll have nothing to do with that: Dudley would be your fittest ambassador on that occasion: and, if I mistake not, the most agreeable to the lady. Stock. Why, indeed, from what I know of the matter, it may not improbably be destined to find its way into his pockets. [Exit. Bel. Then, depend upon it, these are not the only trinkets she means to dedicate to Captain Dudley.-As for me, Stockwell, indeed, wants me to marry; but till I can get this bewitching girl, this incognita, out of my head, I can never think of any other woman. Enter a SERVANT, and delivers a Letter. Hey day! where can I have picked up a correspondent already? "Tis a most execrable manuscript-Let me see- Martha FulmerWho is Martha Fulmer?-Pshaw! I wont be at the trouble of deciphering her damned pothooks.-Hold, hold, hold; what have we got here? Dear Sir, I have discovered the lady you was so much smitten with, and can procure you an interview with her; if you can be as generous to a pretty girl, as you was to a paltry old captain.How did she find that out? -you need not despair; come to me immediately; the lady is now in my house, and expects you. Yours, MARTHA FUlmer. thou dear, lovely, and enchanting paper! which I was about to tear into a thousand scraps, devoutly I entreat thy pardon: I have slighted thy contents, which are delicious; slandered thy characters, which are divine; and all the atonement I can make, is implicitly to obey thy mandates. Enter STOCKWELL. this letter encloses bills for the money; and, Stock. Mr. Belcour, here are the jewels; if you will deliver it to Miss Rusport, you'll have no further trouble on that score. reading, disqualifies me for delivering the letBel. Ah! Sir, the letter, which I have been ter, which you have been writing; I have other feasted upon is started in view, and the world game on foot, the loveliest girl my eyes ever cannot now divert me from pursuing her. Stock. Hey day! What has turned you thus on a sudden? Bel. A woman; one that can turn, and overway she will. Ŏh, Sir, if this is folly in me, turn me and my tottering resolutions every you must rail at nature: you must chide the sun, that was vertical at my birth, and would me in the broadest, hottest, glare of his merinot wink upon my nakedness, but swaddled dian beams. sody: the libertine's familiar plea.-Nature Stock. Mere rhapsody: mere childish rhapmade us, 'tis true, but we are the responsible creatures of our own faults and follies. Bel. Sir! Stock. Slave of every face you meet, some ligate (the town is full of them); and, when hussy has inveigled you; some handsome profonce fairly bankrupt in constitution as well as fortune, nature no longer serves as your excuse for being vicious, necessity, perhaps, will stand your friend, and you'll reform. Bel. You are severe. Stock. It fits me to be so-it well becomes a I forget myself! How difficult it is to counfather-I would say, a friend-How strangely terfeit indifference, and put a mask upon the heart! [Aside. not inadvertently dropped the name of father, Bel. How could you tempt me so? Had you would scarce have held me-But even your I fear our friendship, short as it has been, mistake I reverence-Give me your hand-'tis over. you the affection of a father, I rashly took up Stock. Generous young man! because I bore the authority of one. I ask your pardon-pursue your course; I have no right to stop itWhat would you have me do with these things? Bel. This, if I might advise: carry the money to Miss Rusport immediately; never let the business presses. Give me the jewels: I'll generosity wait for its materials; that part of find an opportunity of delivering them into her hands; and your visit may pave the way for my reception. [Exit. Farewell, advice! Away goes he upon the Stock. Be it so; good morning to you. wing for pleasure. What various passions he frights, offends, yet grows upon my heart. His awakens in me! He pains, yet pleases me; afvery failings set him off-for ever trespassing, for ever atoning, I almost think he would not be so perfect, were he free from fault:-I must dissemble longer; and yet how painful the experiment!-Even now he's gone upon some wild adventure; and who can tell what mis chief may befall him: O nature, what it is to be a father! [Exit. SCENE 11.-FULMER's house. Enter FULMER and MRS. FULMER. Ful. I tell you, Patty, you are a fool, to think of bringing him and Miss Dudley together; 'twill ruin every thing, and blow your whole scheme up to the moon at once. Mrs. Ful. Why, sure, Mr. Fulmer, I may be allowed to rear a chicken of my own hatching, as they say. Who first sprung the thought, but I, pray? Who first contrived the plot? Who proposed the letter, but I, I? Ful. And who dogged the gentleman home? Who found out his name, fortune, connection: that he was a West Indian, fresh landed, and full of cash; a gull to our heart's content; a hot-brained, headlong spark, that would run into our trap, like a wheatear under a turf, but I, I, I? Mrs. Ful. Hark! he's come; disappear, march; and leave the field open to my machination. [Exit FULMER. Enter BELCOUR. Bel. O thou dear minister to my happiness, let me embrace thee! Why, thou art my polar star, my propitious constellation, by which I navigate my impatient bark into the port of pleasure and delight. Mrs. Ful. Oh, you men are sly creatures! Do you remember now, you cruel, what you said to me this morning? Bel. All a jest, a frolic; never think on't; bury it for ever in oblivion: thou! why, thou art all over nectar and ambrosia, powder of pearl and odour of roses; thou hast the youth of Hebe, the beauty of Venus, and the pen of Sappho; but, in the name of all that's lovely, where's the lady? I expected to find her with you. Mrs. Ful. No doubt you did, and these raptures were designed for her; but where have you loitered? the lady's gone-you are too fate; girls of her sort are not to be kept waiting, like negro slaves in your sugar plan tations. Bel. Gone! whither is she gone? tell me, that I may follow her. Mrs. Ful. Hold, hold, not so fast, young gentleman, this is a case of some delicacy; Should Captain Dudley know that I introduced you to his daughter, he is a man of such scrupulous honour Mrs. Ful. Can you doubt it? I must have been pretty well assured of that, before I invited you hither. Bel. That's true; she cannot be a woman of honour, and Dudley is an unconscionable young rogue, to think of keeping one fine girl in pay, by raising contributions on another: he shall therefore give her up: she is a dear, bewitching, mischievous, little devil, and he shall positively give her up. Mrs. Ful. Ay, now the freak has taken you again; I say, give her up; there's one way, indeed, and certain of success. Bel. What's that? Mrs. Ful. Out-bid him, never dream of outblustering him. All things, then, will be made easy enough; let me see; some little genteel present to begin with: what have you got about you? Ay, search; I can bestow it to advantage, there's no time to be lost. Bel. Hang it, confound it! a plague upon't, say I! I haven't a guinea left in my pocket; parted from my whole stock here this morning, and have forgot to supply myself since. Mrs. Ful. Mighty well; let it pass, then: there's an end; think no more of the lady, that's all. Bel. Distraction! think no more of her? let back with you in an instant. me only step home, and provide myself; I'll be shift; have you nothing of value about you? Mrs. Ful. Pooh! pooh! that's a wretched Money's a coarse, slovenly vehicle, fit only to graceful ways of purchasing a lady's favours; bribe electors in a borough; there are more rings,trinkets, jewels! I have a case of Jewels; but they wont do, I Bel. Jewels! Gadso, I protest I had forgot: propriated; they are none of my own. must not part from them; no, no, they are ap this were something like: pretty creatures Mrs. Ful. Let me see, let me see! Ay, now, how they sparkle; these would ensure suc cess. Bel. Indeed! Mrs. Ful. These would make her your own for ever. Bel. Then the deuce take them, for belonging to another person; I could find in my them. heart to give them the girl, and swear I've lost of your pocket. Mrs. Ful. Ay, do, say they were stolen out give me the paltry things, I'll write you an orBel. No, hang it, that's dishonourable; here, der on my merchant, for double their value. Mrs. Ful. An order! No order for me! no order upon merchants, with their value received, and three days' grace; their noting, Bel. What do you tell me! is she daughter to the old gentleman I met here this morning? Mrs. Ful. The same; him you was so gener-protesting, and endorsing, and all their count ous to. Bel. There's an end of the matter then at once; it shall never be said of me, that I took advantage of the father's necessities to trepan the daughter. [Going. Mrs. Ful. So, so, I've made a wrong cast; he's one of your conscientious sinners, I find; but I wont lose him thus-Ha, ha, ha! Bel. What is it you laugh at? Mrs. Ful. Your absolute inexperience; have you lived so very little time in this country, as not to know that, between young people of equal ages, the term of sister often is a cover for that of mistress? This young lady is, in that sense of the word, sister to young Dudley, and consequently daughter to my old lodger. Bel. Indeed! are you serious? ing-house formalities; I'll have nothing to do with them; leave your diamonds with me, and give your order for the value of them to the owner: the money would be as good as the trinkets, I warrant you. Bel. Hey! how! I never thought of that; but a breach of trust; 'tis impossible: I never can consent; therefore give me the jewels back again. Mrs. Ful. Take them; I am now to tell you, the lady is in this house. Bel. In this house? Mrs. Ful. Yes, Sir, in this very house; but what of that? you have got what you like better: your toys, your trinkets; go, go; Oh, you are a man of notable spirit, are you not? Bel. Provoking creature! bring me to the sight of the dear girl, and dispose of me as you | opportunity of casting my person and my forthink fit. tune at your feet. Mrs. Ful. And of the diamonds too? Bel. Damu them, I would there was not such a bauble in nature! But, come, come, despatch; if I had the throne of Delhi, I should give it to her. Mrs. Ful. Swear to me then, that you will keep within bounds; remember, she passes for the sister of young Dudley. Oh! if you come to your flights and your rhapsodies, she'll be off in an instant. Bel. Never fear me. Mrs. Ful. You must expect to hear her talk of her father, as she calls him, and her brother, and your bounty to her family, Bel. Ay, ay, never mind what she talks of, only bring her. Mrs. Ful. You'll be prepared upon that head? Bel. I shall be prepared, never fear: away with you. Mrs. Ful. But, hold, I had forgot: not a word of the diamonds; leave that matter to my management. Bel. Hell and vexation! Get out of the room, or I shall run distracted. [Exit MRS. FULMER.] Of a certain, Belcour, thou art born to be the fool of woman! sure no man sins with so much repentance, or repents with so little amend ment, as I do. I cannot give away another person's property, honour forbids me; and I positively cannot give up the girl; love, passion, constitution, every thing protests against that. How shall I decide? I cannot bring myself to break a trust, and I am not at present in the humour to balk my inclinations. Is there no middle way? Let me considerThere is, there is: my good genius has presented me with one: apt, obvious, honourable, the girl shall not go without her baubles: I'll not go without the girl; Miss Rusport sha'n't lose her diamonds; I'll save Dudley from destruction, and every party shall be a gainer by the project. Enter MRS. FULMER, introducing MISS DUDLEY. Mrs. Ful. Miss Dudley, this is the worthy gentleman you wish to see; this is Mr. Bel cour. Lou. As I live, the very man that beset me in the streets! [Aside. Bel. An angel, by this light! Oh, I am gone, past all retrieving! [Aside. Lou. Mrs. Fulmer, Sir, informs me, you are the gentleman from whom my father has received such civilities. Bel. Her father! [Aside.] Oh, never name them. Lou. Pardon me, Mr. Belcour, they must be both named and remembered; and if my father was here Bel. Her father again! [Aside.] I am much better pleased with his representative. Lou. That title is my brother's Sir; I have no claim to it. Bel. I believe it. Lou. But, as neither he nor my father were fortunate enough to be at home, I could not resist the opportunity Bel. Nor I neither, by my soul, Madam: let us improve it, therefore. 1 am in love with you to distraction; was charmed at the first glance; I attempted to accost you: you fled; followed; but was defeated of an interview; at length I have obtained one, and seize the Lou. You astonish me! Are you in your senses, or do you make a jest of my misfortunes? Do you ground pretences on your generosity, or do you make a practice of this folly with every woman you meet? Bet. Upon my life, no: as you are the handsomest woman I ever met, so you are the first to whom I ever made the like professions: as for my generosity, Madam, I must refer you on that score to this good lady, who I believe has something to offer in my behalf. Lou. Don't build upon that, Sir; I must have better proofs of your generosity, than the mere divestment of a little superfluous dross, before I can credit the sincerity of professions so abruptly delivered. [Exit hastily. Bel. Oh! ye gods and goddesses, how her anger animates her beauty! [Going out. Mrs. Ful. Stay, Sir; if you stir a step after her, I renounce your interest for ever; why, you'll ruin every thing. Bel. Well, I must have her, cost what it will I see she understands her own value though; a little superfluous dross, truly! she must have better proofs of my generosity! Mrs. Ful. 'Tis exactly as I told you; your money she calls dross; she's too proud to stain her fingers with your coin; bait your hook well with jewels; try that experiment and she's your own. Bel. Take them; let them go; lay them at her feet; I must get out of the scrape as I can; my propensity is irresistible: there; you have them; they are yours; they are hers; but, remember, they are a trust; I commit them to her keeping, till I can buy them off, with something she shall think more valuable; now tell me when shall I meet her? Mrs. Ful. How can I tell that? don't you see what an alarm you have put her into? Oh! you're a rare one! but go your ways for this while; leave her to my management, and come to me at seven this evening; but remember not to bring empty pockets with youHa, ha, ha! [Exeunt severally. SCENE III-LADY RUSPORT's House. Enter Miss RUSPORT, followed by a SERVANT. Miss R. Desire Mr. Stockwell to walk in. [Exit SERVANT. Enter STOCKWELL. Stock. Madam, your most obedient servant : I am honoured with your commands, by Captain Dudley; and have brought the money with me, as you directed; I understand the sum you have occasion for is two hundred pounds. Miss R. It is, Sir; I am quite confounded at your taking this trouble upon yourself, Mr. Stockwell. Stock. There is a bank note, Madam, to the amount; your jewels are in safe hands, and will be delivered to you directly. If I had been happy in being better known to you, I should have hoped you would not have thought it necessary to place a deposit in my hands for so trifling a sum as you have now required me to supply you with. Miss R. The baubles I sent you may very well be spared; and, as they are the only security, in my present situation, I can give you, I could wish you would retain them in your hands: when I am of age (which if I live a few months I shall be,) I will replace your favour, | me; if not, 'tis a lost cause; for I have not with thanks. thought of one word in my excuse. Stock. It is obvious, Miss Rusport, that your charms will suffer no impeachment by the absence of those superficial ornaments; but they should be seen in the suite of a woman of fashion, not as creditors to whom you are indebted for your appearance, but as subservient attendants, which help to make up your equi page. Enter MISS RUSPORT. your friend, Mr. Stockwell, prepared me to Miss R. Mr. Belcour, I'm proud to see you: expect this honour; and I am happy in the opportunity of being known to you. Bel. A fine girl, by my soul! Now what a cursed hang-dog do I look like! [Aside. Miss R. You are newly arrived in this coun Miss R. Mr. Stockwell is determined not to wrong the confidence I reposed in his polite-try, Sir? ness. Stock. I have only to request, Madam, that with a large cargo of Muscovado sugars, rum Bel. Just landed, Madam; just set ashore, you will allow Mr. Belcour, a young gentle-puncheons, mahogany slabs, wet sweetmeats, man, in whose happiness I particularly interest and green paroquets. myself, to have the honour of delivering you the box of jewels. Miss R. Most gladly; any friend of yours cannot fail of being welcome here. Stock. I flatter myself you will not find him totally undeserving your good opinion; an education not of the strictest kind, and strong animal spirits, are apt sometimes to betray him into youthful irregularities; but a high principle of honour, and an uncommon benevolence, in the eye of candour, will, I hope, atone for any faults, by which these good qualities are not impaired. Miss R. I dare say, Mr. Belcour's behaviour wants no apology: we have no right to be over strict in canvassing the morals of a common acquaintance. Stock. I wish it may be my happiness to see Mr. Belcour in the list, not of your common, but particular acquaintance-of your friends, Miss Rusport-I dare not be more explicit. Miss R. Nor need you, Mr. Stockwell: I shall be studious to deserve his friendship; and though I have long since unalterably placed my affections on another, I trust, I have not left myself insensible to the merits of Mr. Belcour; and hope, that neither you nor he will, for that reason, think me less worthy your good opinion and regards. Miss R. May I ask you how you like London, Sir? Bel. To admiration: I think the town and rich, overgrown, noisy, tumultuous place: the the town's folk are exactly suited; 'tis a great, whole morning is a bustle to get money, and the whole afternoon is a hurry to spend it. Miss R. Are these all the observations you have made? men are very captivating, and the men very Bel. No, Madam; I have observed the wosoon caught. Miss R. Ay, indeed! Whence do you draw that conclusion? Bel. From infallible guides; the first remark I collect from what I now see, the second from what I now feel. Miss R. Oh, the deuce take you! But, to wave this subject; I believe, Sir, this was a visit of business, not compliment; was it not? Bel. Ay: now comes on my execution. [Aside. Miss R. You have some foolish trinkets of mine, Mr. Belcour; haven't you? of a trinket, still more foolish than themselves. Bel. No, in truth; they are gone in search [Aside. Miss R. Some diamonds, I mean, Sir; Mr. Stockwell informed me you was charged with them. Stock. Miss Rusport, I sincerely wish you Bel. Oh, yes, Madam; but I have the most happy: I have no doubt you have placed your treacherous memory in life-Here they are! affection on a deserving man; and I have no Pray put them up; they're all right; you need right to combat your choice. [Exit. not examine them. Miss R. How honourable is that behaviour! [Gives a box. Now, if Charles was here, I should be happy. are not my diamonds; these are quite differMiss R. Hey day! right, Sir! Why these The old lady is so fond of her new Irish ac-ent; and, as it should seem, of much greater quaintance, that I have the whole house at my value. disposal. [Exit. Enter BELCOUR, preceded by a SERVANT. Serv. I ask your honour's pardon; I thought my young lady was here: who shall I inform her would speak to her? Bel. Belcour is my name, Sir; and pray beg your lady to put herself in no hurry on my account; for I'd sooner see the devil, than see her face. [Exit SERVANT.] In the name of all that's mischievous, why did Stockwell drive me hither in such haste? A pretty figure, truly, I shall make! an ambassador, without credentials! Blockhead that I was, to charge myself with her diamonds; officious, meddling puppy! Now they are irretrievably gone: that suspicious jade, Fulmer, wouldn't part even with a sight of them, though I would have ransomed them at twice their value. Now must I trust to my poor wits, to bring me off: a lamentable dependence. Fortune be my helper. Here comes the girl-if she is nobleminded, as she is said to be, she will forgive Bel. Upon my life, I'm glad on't; for then I hope you value them more than your own. Miss R. As a purchaser I should, but not as an owner; you mistake; these belong to somebody else. Bel. 'Tis yours, I'm afraid, that belong to somebody else. [Aside. Miss R. What is it you mean? I must insist upon your taking them back again. Bel. Pray, Madam, don't do that; I shall infallibly lose them; I have the worst luck with diamonds of any man living. Miss R. That you might well say, was you to give me these in the place of mine, but, pray, Sir, what is the reason of all this? Why have you changed the jewels? And where have you disposed of mine? Bel. Miss Rusport, I cannot invent a lie for my life; and, if it was to save it, I couldn't tell one: I am an idle, dissipated, unthinking fellow, not worth your notice: in short, I am a West Indian; and you must try me according to the charter of my colony, not by a jury of English spinsters: the truth is, I have given |