really loves her.

_Mrs. D._ I hope to satisfy you in that point. His declarations are
sufficiently explicit.

_Mr. D._ Suppose what you tell me to be true, the young Counsellor's
visits must be declined.

_Mrs. D._ Why so?

_Mr. D._ For a thousand reasons. I must beg you to comply with my
wishes in this respect.--The company of a fool can never do any good,
though his impertinences may do mischief.--I have now some engagements
abroad, and cannot speak to Augusta, till after I return. Prepare her
for it--tell her that her happiness is dearer to me than my life--she
is still the child of my heart, and her choice shall be mine.--Adieu.
[Exeunt on different sides.]

END OF THE FIRST ACT.

_ACT II._

SCENE I.

AUGUSTA laying down a book, and wiping her eyes.

Mrs. DRAVE entering.

_Mrs. D._ At your books, and in tears again, Augusta?

_Augusta._ No, dear mother.

_Mrs. D._ Your eyes betray you. You must not be so melancholy. One
impediment is remov'd--I have acquainted your father with your
attachment.

_Augusta._ Good God! what have you done!

_Mrs. D._ What we ought to have done long long ago; he loves you so
tenderly.

_Augusta._ But why should I not try to overcome this unhappy passion,
knowing----

_Mrs. D._ Overcome? Can you do that? I know your heart too well. But be
cheerful now--dream not of impediments that will never arise. Your
father consents to whatever can tend to make you happy.

_Augusta._ What! my dear father will permit----

_Mrs. D._ He will proceed without precipitation; which is what I would
advise you to do. If Lewis loves you sincerely, you may trust your
father's heart.

_Augusta._ If? Oh, my dear mother, my doubts about _him_, occasion me
continual uneasiness.--Could he deceive my affection----he seems of no
fixed character.

_Mrs. D._ It must be owned he is unsteady.

_Augusta._ His way of life, indeed, displays such a character; but his
heart is good.

_Mrs. D._ I believe it.

_Augusta._ He does a great deal of good in private.

_Mrs. D._ I know he does.

_Augusta._ And always with such a good will, without any ostentation.

_Mrs. D._ That is true.

_Augusta._ A _man_ cannot be so tender as we are; but he certainly has
feeling.----I am sorry he is not upon good terms with his brother.

_Mrs. D._ There I absolve him. Who can be