Mr. D. [kindly]. Well; speak.
Lewis [flatteringly]. I beg you to look upon my wishes, not as a guardian, but as a friend, as a father—I—I love—and your consent to a marriage will make me happy.
Mr. D. Brook! [with warmth] you really love the girl, and sincerely?
Lewis. Not to madness, but truly and honourably.
Mr. D. Are you perfectly sincere?
Lewis. Why should you doubt?
Mr. D. Brook! I never was at a wedding, but the question arose, Will it be happy? To be unhappily married is dreadful.
Lewis. I have considered maturely.
Mr. D. The means of amending an inconsiderate step afterwards are shocking; still worse than the misfortune itself.
Lewis. It is too true. But why this to me? You disquiet yourself without cause. Love, our best reformer, has inspired me with juster sentiments.