MARWOOD.

It may be sooner! (_Aside_.) No one comes.

MELLEFONT.

We do not wish to remain much longer here either. It will be well, will
it not, Sara, to follow our answer without delay? Sir William cannot be
displeased with our haste.

Scene VII.

Betty, Mellefont, Sara, Marwood.

MELLEFONT.

What is it, Betty?

BETTY.

Somebody wishes to speak with you immediately.

MARWOOD (_aside_).

Ha! now all depends on whether----

MELLEFONT.

Me? Immediately? I will come at once. Madam, is it agreeable to you to
shorten your visit?

SARA.

Why so, Mellefont? Lady Solmes will be so kind as to wait for your
return.

MARWOOD.

Pardon me; I know my cousin Mellefont, and prefer to depart with him.

BETTY.

The stranger, sir--he wishes only to say a word to you. He says, that
he has not a moment to lose.

MELLEFONT.

Go, please! I will be with him directly. I expect it will be some news
at last about the agreement which I mentioned to you. (_Exit_ Betty.)

MARWOOD (_aside_).

A good conjecture!

MELLEFONT.

But still, Madam----

MARWOOD.

If you order it, then, I must bid you----

SARA.

Oh no, Mellefont; I am sure you will not grudge me the pleasure of
entertaining Lady Solmes during your absence?

MELLEFONT.

You wish it, Sara?

SARA.

Do not stay now, dearest Mellefont, but come back again soon! And come
with a more joyful face, I will wish! You doubtless expect an
unpleasant answer. Don't let this disturb you. I am more desirous to
see whether after all you can gracefully prefer me to an inheritance,
than I am to know that you are in the possession of one.

MELLEFONT.

I obey. (_In a warning tone_.) I shall be sure to come back in a
moment, Madam.

MARWOOD (_aside_).

Lucky so far. (_Exit_ Mellefont.)

Scene VIII.