Lew. First answer me sincerely to what I ask.
Char. I will—But you alarm me.
Lew. I am too grave, perhaps; but be assured of this, I have no news that troubles Me, and therefore should not You.
Char. I am easy then. Propose your question.
Lew. 'Tis now a tedious twelve-month, since with an open and kind heart, you said you loved me.
Char. So tedious, did you say?
Lew. And when in consequence of such sweet words, I pressed for marriage, you gave a voluntary promise, that you would live for Me.
Char. You think me changed then?
[Angrily.
Lew. I did not say so. A thousand times I have pressed for the performance of this promise; but private cares, a brother's and a sister's ruin, were reasons for delaying it.