ill bear
The dear impression of thy image on it,
Nor time nor absence ever shall efface it. [He goes off.]

CONSTANTIA. How have I suffer'd by this forc'd behaviour,
Gainst my soul's feelings, to this matchless youth!
But O! in what enchanting, phrase, he urg'd
His love, his fears and never-failing constancy!
I cannot rest, till Lucia knows it all. [She goes off.]

SCENE IV.

Lord BELMOUR's house.

To Lady BELMOUR, enter a SERVANT.

SERVANT. Mrs. Andrews waits upon your ladyship.

Lady BELMOUR. Mrs. Andrews!--why did you admit her?

SERVANT. I had conceiv'd it was your general order.

Lady BELMOUR. I've chang'd my mind--I will not be at home;
yet stay a little--tell her, I shall see her,
At lady Meldmay's drawing-room to-night. [He goes off.]
'Tis like, she comes for what I got this morning:
All which and more ill fortune swept away.

Enter Mrs. ANDREWS.

Mrs. ANDREWS. What! my good friend! my dearest lady Belmour!
Not see her Andrews! her most faithful Andrews!
'Tis some mistake? perhaps, the servant's fault?

Lady BELMOUR. He had my orders, though you thus intrude.

Mrs. ANDREWS. Such a behaviour!--I am all amazement.--
Whence is the cause? I pray explain yourself.

Lady BELMOUR. If, madam, you are bent on altercation,
I speedily shall leave you to yourself.
So to your business, brief.--

Mrs. ANDREWS. As you could wish;
Then, the five hundred you this morning borrow'd.

Lady BELMOUR. You surely dream, or are not in your senses!

Mrs. ANDREWS. If I retain them long, 'tis not your fault.
Lady Belmour! Honour!--

Lady BELMOUR. Ha! this from you!
When persons of my station condescend
To such connexions, they most justly merit
The treatment you have now presum'd to offer.

Mrs. ANDREWS. You cannot surely mean to rob me thus?

Lady BELMOUR. To rob you! you mistake; you owe me more
Than will be ever in your pow'r to pay.

Mrs. ANDREWS. For what I pray?

Lady BELMOUR. You are not ignorant.

Mrs. ANDREWS. I am, as I shall answer it to heaven.

Lady BELMOUR. Not only for my husband's fond affection,
But his fortune; which, (tis well known to all)
He lavishes on you--so that your visits
Can but reflect dishonour; wherefor