_Lewis_ [flatteringly]. I beg you to look upon my wishes, not as a
guardian, but as a friend, as a father--I--I love--and your consent to
a marriage will make me happy.

_Mr. D._ Brook! [with warmth] you really love the girl, and sincerely?

_Lewis._ Not to madness, but truly and honourably.

_Mr. D._ Are you perfectly sincere?

_Lewis._ Why should you doubt?

_Mr. D._ Brook! I never was at a wedding, but the question arose, Will
it be happy? To be unhappily married is dreadful.

_Lewis._ I have considered maturely.

_Mr. D._ The means of amending an inconsiderate step afterwards are
shocking; still worse than the misfortune itself.

_Lewis._ It is too true. But why this to me? You disquiet yourself
without cause. Love, our best reformer, has inspired me with juster
sentiments.

_Mr. D._ Then God be praised! both will be happy.

_Lewis._ It was for the sole purpose of asking your consent that I came
hither.

_Mr. D._ But why did not you speak sooner?

_Lewis._ My doubts--the disorder of my affairs--

_Mr. D._ [smiling]. We will soon put them in order.

_Lewis._ Then you give your consent?

_Mr. D._ [earnestly]. Yes!--But you will alter your mode of living?

_Lewis._ You shall be satisfied with my conduct.

_Mr. D._ Yes, yes. I always said you had many excellent qualities, and
would turn out well, if once they were awakened; thank God, they are!

_Lewis._ Besides, this marriage gives me some hopes of an honourable
place.

_Mr. D._ Not exactly the marriage; but----

_Lewis._ Why not? has any body more interest than the Chancellor?

_Mr. D._ No; but he may not interest himself much about your affairs
for the future.

_Lewis._ Now more than ever, most assuredly.

_Mr. D._ Now?

_Lewis._ As I marry his daughter.

_Mr. D._ What do you say?

_Lewis._ As I marry his daughter.

_Mr. D._ Whom do you marry?

_Lewis._ Miss Fleffel.

_Mr. D._ No, never!

_Lewis._ How? why not?

_Mr. D._ No! by all that is sacred you shall not marry her!

_Lewis._ Inconceivable! you gave your consent.

_Mr. D._ I withdraw it.

_Lewis._ [sneeringly] Very extraordinary! then why give it?

_Mr. D._ [harshly]. I misunderstood you.

_Lewis._ So! cunning enough! to put me first off my guard.

_Mr. D._ Be so good as to leave me.

_Lewis._ To give me confidence!

_Mr. D._ Leave me, I say.

_Lewis._ That you might more easily draw my secret from me!

_Mr. D._ For God's sake leave me!

_Lewis._ A fine