Will. Sir, they come! Your collar is unfasten'd and your hair disorder'd. Let me—[Attempts to adjust AUTHUR'S dress.]
Arth. Heed it not! I thought you knew me better.
Will. Just a moment.—
Arth. No! yet will I meet her softly.
She is the only creature of her sex,
For whom I feel some kindness; 'tis because
I knew her ere I knew the world beside,
And all the lie of passion, that is nurs'd
For long in early blighted hearts alone,
Whom rank possession of the thing they pin'd for,
Had cured in one short month.—Well, I'll be kind,
Nay more, affectionate—
[Enter FLORENCE and BARBARA, R. He salutes her distantly.]
Fair mistress, thus
I claim a young acquaintance, that hath grown
Old in long absence.
Flor. [Rushing to him] Arthur! dearest. Arthur!
How strange! Dear cousin! Sir! I wish'd to see you,
Needing protection—nay! I was to blame,
Too hasty, you must think me bold indeed!
Arth. [Aside] Is all her nature, art?—How beautiful! [Aloud.] Dear Florence. [Attempts to take her hand warmly, she bows.] I have scarcely words to speak. Cousin! I'll be your champion. [Aloud.]
Flor. There is nought
In which you can assist me? I have come
Here, cousin, to entreat you, take this money.
Indeed, you can repay me quite soon, when
Your brother is more just. It is for him
That I would give it—
Arth. For him? yes! you are Betroth'd?