Lady. Well, well, never fear; [Looking out.] Oh, yonder's Willoughby! now for the grand design! [Aside.] Louisa, if you'll wait here a moment I'll step to the next gate, and see if they are there;—they cannot escape us then.
Louisa. No, no, don't leave me;—I wouldn't stay by myself for the world.
Lady. Ridiculous! can't you protect yourself for an instant? must you be all your life watch'd like a baby in leading-strings? Oh! I am ashamed of you—only wait a moment, lest they pass by in my absence, and I'll return to you immediately.
Louisa. Well: don't stay.
Lady. Stay! what have you to be frightened at? I shall not be out of call;—besides, if there's any fear of a personal attack, may not I be as terrified as yourself? It isn't the first time, I'll assure you, but that's no matter;—show yourself a woman of spirit, and, at least, emulate one of my virtues.—Now, Willoughby, the rest is thine!
[Exit.
Willoughby comes forward.
Willoughby. Be not alarmed, Miss Courtney.
Louisa. Mr Willoughby!
Willoughby. Yes, madam; the man you most avoid.