_Lew._ The strongest reasons; unanswerable ones.

_Char._ Be quick and name them.

_Lew._ No, madam; I am bound in honour to make conditions first;
I am bound by inclination too. This sweet profusion of kind words
pains while it pleases. I dread the losing you.

_Char._ Astonishment! What mean you?

_Lew._ First promise, that to-morrow, or the next day, you will be
mine for ever.

_Char._ I do--though misery should succeed.

_Lew._ Thus then I seize you! and with you every joy on this side
heaven!
[_Embracing her._

_Char._ And thus I seal my promise. (_Returning his embrace._) Now,
Sir, your secret?

_Lew._ Your fortune's lost.

_Char._ My fortune lost!--I'll study to be humble then. But was my
promise claimed for this? How nobly generous! Where learnt you this
sad news?

_Lew._ From Bates, Stukely's prime agent. I have obliged him, and
he's grateful. He told it me in friendship, to warn me from my