will ever oppose his union with my lord's ward, Louisa
Courtney, because I think it will be the ruin of them both; and you
know, Willoughby, one cannot forget one's feelings on those occasions.

_Will._ Certainly--Ennui, the time-killer, whose only business in life
is to murder the hour, is also just arrived; and my lord is resolved on
his marrying Louisa instantly.

_Lady._ True--and only because he'll make a quiet member for his brother
in the west. But, for various reasons, I am determined she shall be
yours--yet it must be done artfully--my circumstances are deranged, and
an alliance with my lord Scratch is the only hope of relief.--Such are
the fruits of virtue, Willoughby.

_Will._ Well--but her fortune is entirely dependent on my Lord's
consent, and how is that to be obtained? You know I am no favourite, and
Ennui is a great one.

_Lady._ I know it, and therefore we must incense him against Ennui--let
me see----can't we contrive some mode,--some little ingenious story--he
is a singular character, you know, and has violent prejudices.

_Will._ True--and of all his prejudices, none is so violent, or
entertaining, as that against authors and actors.

_Lady._ Yes,--the stage is his aversion, and some way or other----I have
it--it's an odd thought, but may do much--suppose we tell him Ennui has
written a play.

_Will._ The luckiest thought in the world! it will make him hate him
directly.

_Lady._ Well, leave it to me--I'll explain the matter to him
myself,--and my life on't it proves successful. You see, Willoughby, my
only system is to promote happiness.

_Will._ It is indeed, Lady Waitfor't--but if this fails, may I still
hope for your interest with Miss Courtney?

_Lady._ Yes,--I'm determined she shall be yours, and neither Neville's
nor Ennui's.--But come, it's late--here he is.

_Will._ We'll get rid of him.

_Enter ENNUI._

_Lady._ Mr Ennui, your most obedient--we are going to the Parade--have
you seen your cousin Neville?

_Ennui._ I've an idea--I've just left him.

_Lady._ I suppose we shall see you at Lady Walton's this evening?--till
then, adieu. [_Exeunt LADY WAITFOR'T and WILLOUGHBY._

_Ennui._ I've an idea, I don't like this Lady Waitfor't--she wishes to
trick me out of my match with Miss Courtney, and if I could trick her in
return--[_Takes out his Watch._] How goes the enemy?--only one
o'clock!--I thought it had been that an hour ago!--heigho!--here's my
patr