ACT THE FOURTH.

SCENE I.

_The Paddock near LADY WALTON'S House--A View of the
House at a distance, and partly moonlight._

_WILLOUGHBY alone._

_Willoughby._ 'Tis past the hour Lady Waitfor't appointed--why does she
delay? I cannot have mistaken the place--yonder's Lady Walton's
house--Oh! 'would all were past, and Louisa safely mine! I hear a
noise--by Heaven 'tis she! and with her all my happiness--I'll withdraw
a while, and observe them. [_Retires._

_Enter LADY WAITFOR'T and LOUISA COURTNEY._

_Louisa._ My dear Lady Waitfor't, why do you loiter here? you cannot
find your servants in this place--let us return to Lady Walton's.

_Lady._ No, no, they must be here,--I ordered them to wait in this very
spot, to avoid confusion. What can have become of Willoughby? [_Aside._

_Louisa._ If you have the least sense of fear for yourself, or regard
for me, I beg we may return to Lady Walton's.

_Lady._ No, no, I tell you I ordered William at the back gate, that he
might conduct us through the paddock to our carriage; you know we might
have been whole hours getting through the crowd the other way--do be a
little patient, hav'n't I as much reason to be alarmed as yourself?

_Louisa._ Yes, but you have not the apprehension I have; I don't know
why, but I am terrified beyond description.

_Lady._ Well, well, never fear; [_Looking out._] Oh, yonder's
Willoughby! now for the grand design! [_Aside._] Louisa, if you'll wait
here a moment I'll step to the next gate, and see if they are
there;--they cannot escape us then.

_Louisa._ No, no, don't leave me;--I wouldn't stay by myself for the
world.

_Lady._ Ridiculous! can't you protect yourself for an instant? must you
be all your life watch'd like a baby in leading-strings? Oh! I am
ashamed of you--only wait a moment, lest they pass by in my absence, and
I'll return to you immediately.

_Louisa._ Well: don't stay.

_Lady._ Stay! what have you to be frightened at? I shall not be out of
call;--besides, if there's any fear of a personal attack, may not I be
as terrified as yourself? It isn't the first time, I'll assure you, but
that's no matter;--show yourself a woman of spirit, and, at least,
emulate one of my virtues.--Now, Willoughby, the rest is thine! [_Exit._

_WILLOUGHBY comes forward._

_Willoughby._ Be not alarmed, Miss Courtney.

_Louisa._ Mr Willoughby!

_Willoughby._ Yes, madam; the m