ther: were the positions changed, I should fear to follow
your example.

AUSTIN. Child, child, you could not afford it.

SCENE IV

_To these, the ROYAL DUKE, C.; then, immediately, ANTHONY, L. FENWICK
crosses to MISS FOSTER, R. AUSTIN accosts the DUKE, C., in dumb show;
the muted strings take up a new air, Mozart's "Anglaise"; couples
passing under the limes, and forming a group behind AUSTIN and the
DUKE. ANTHONY in front, L., watches AUSTIN, who, as he turns from the
Duke, sees him, and comes forward with extended hand_

AUSTIN. Dear child, let me present you to his Royal Highness.

ANTHONY (_with necklace_). Mr. Austin, do you recognise the bribe you
gave my sister's maid?

AUSTIN. Hush, sir, hush! you forget the presence of the Duke.

ANTHONY. Mr. Austin, you are a coward and a scoundrel.

AUSTIN. My child, you will regret these words: I refuse your quarrel.

ANTHONY. You do? Take that. (_He strikes AUSTIN on the mouth. At the
moment of the blow----_)

SCENE V

_To these, DOROTHY, L. U. E. DOROTHY, unseen by AUSTIN, shrieks.
Sensation. Music stops. Tableau_

AUSTIN (_recovering his composure_). Your Royal Highness, suffer me to
excuse the disrespect of this young gentleman. He has so much apology,
and I have, I hope, so good a credit, as incline me to accept this blow.
But I must beg of your Highness, and, gentlemen, all of you here
present, to bear with me while I will explain what is too capable of
misconstruction. I am the rejected suitor of this young gentleman's
sister; of Miss Dorothy Musgrave: a lady whom I singularly honour and
esteem; a word from whom (if I could hope that word) would fill my life
with happiness. I was not worthy of that lady; when I was defeated in
fair field, I presumed to make advances through her maid. See in how
laughable a manner fate repaid me! The waiting-girl derided, the
mistress denied, and now comes in this very ardent champion who publicly
insults me. My vanity is cured; you will judge it right, I am persuaded,
all of you, that I should accept my proper punishment in silence; you,
my Lord Duke, to pardon this young gentleman; and you, Mr. Musgrave, to
spare me further provocation, which I am determined to ignore.

DOROTHY (_rushing forward, falling at AUSTIN'S knees, and seizing his
hand_). George, George, it was for me. My hero! take me! What you will!

AUSTIN (_in an agony_). My dear creature, remember that we are in
public. (_Raising