ry
sorry that I can't help it--I'm cursed drunk, and not proper company for
a lady of your dignity,--but I won't affront you,--I mean to make myself
agreeable, and if I do not--it is the fault of that place, [_Pointing to
his head._] and not of this, [_Pointing to his heart._]

_Louisa._ Sir, your conduct has endeared you to me for ever, and while I
live, your generosity and valour shall be engraven on my heart.

_Flor._ Gently, gently, have a care, make no declarations; if you are in
love with me, as I suppose you are, keep it secret,--for at this moment
you might raise a flame that would consume us both;--poor creature! how
fond she is of me! any other time I would indulge her, but not
now--[_Looks at her sometime, then runs, and kisses her hand._]--Oh, you
paragon!--"Angels must paint to look as fair as you."--[_Goes from her
again._]--I'll leave you, or, by Heaven, it will be all over with us.

_Louisa._ No, no, don't desert me! alas! I have no way left but to
commit myself to your care--if I could bring him to recollect me, all
would be safe. Mr Floriville, don't you know me?

_Flor._ No, 'would to Heaven I did.

_Louisa._ What, not Miss Courtney?

_Flor._ What, Louisa? my brother's idol?

_Louisa._ Alas! the very same.

_Flor._ Then may I die, if I don't get out of your debt before I leave
you--where--where shall I conduct you?

_Louisa._ I know not--return to lady Waitfor't's again, I will not--I
had rather be a wanderer all my life--to lady Walton's there is no
excuse for returning, and I know no friend in Bath I dare intrude
upon.--I have so high an opinion, Mr Floriville, of your honour, that,
notwithstanding your present situation, there is no man on earth I would
sooner confide in;--can you then think of any place where I may rest in
safety for a few hours, and then I will set out for my uncle's in the
country.

_Flor._ Indeed I cannot, I am a wanderer myself;--I have no home but
what this gentleman is to purchase me [_Taking out his purse._]--you
cannot partake of that.

_Louisa._ Oh! what will become of me?

_Flor._ Let me see--I have it--I'll take her to my brother's;--she'll be
safe there, and not a soul shall come near her.--Well, Miss Courtney,--I
have recollected a place where I know you'll be safe--a friend's house,
that will be as secure--nay, don't droop--in Italy we're never
melancholy.

_Louisa._ Oh, Mr Floriville, to what a hazard has lady Waitfor't exposed
me!--to her perfidy I