[With Emphasis and Affection.
Blandish. [Aside.] Oh, rot the source of the family fondness—I see I have no card left in my favour—but the heiress. [Goes to her and pays Court—During this Conversation, aside, Lady Emily seems encouraging Miss Clifford.—Sir Clement musing, and by Turns examining her.]
Sir C. [To himself.] "Ingenuous discretion!"
Enter Clifford, and runs to his Sister.
Cliff. My dearest Harriet! the joy I purposed in presenting you here, is anticipated: but, my blameless fugitive! when your story is known, my pride in you will not be a wonder.—Miss Clifford, behold your persecutor and your convert.
Enter Lord Gayville.
Lord G. [With Rapture.] Her persecutor and her convert. Her virtues, which no humility could conceal, and every trial made more resplendent, discovered, disgraced, and reclaimed a libertine.—
Miss Cliff. How am I distressed!—what ought I to answer?
Lord G. Impressed sentiment upon desire, gave honour to passion, and drew from my soul a vow, which Heaven chastise me when I violate, to obtain her by a legal, sacred claim, or renounce fortune, family and friends, and become a self-devoted outcast of the world.