All. How!
Rightly. [With Feeling.] And there she stands, [Pointing to Miss Clifford.] with a look and an emotion that would condemn her before any court in the universe.
Lady E. Glorious—matchless Clifford!
Miss Cliff. Brother, this must not be.
Cliff. Your pardon, my dear Harriet, it is done. Sir Clement, my sister's fortune is still far short of what you expected with Miss Alscrip; for that deficiency, I have only to offer the virtues Lord Gayville has proved, and the affection she found it easier to control, than to conceal. If you will receive her, thus circumstanced, into your family, mine has been an acquisition indeed.
Lady E. [Coming up to Sir Clement.] Now, sir, where's the suspicion! Where is now the ruling principle that governs mankind! Through what perspective, by what trial, will you find self-interest here? What, not one pithy word to mock my credulity!—Alas! poor Yorick—quite chop-fallen.—Forgive me, sir, I own I am agitated to extravagance—You found me disconcerted at the first discovery; I am delighted at the last; there's a problem of my disposition worthy your solving.
Sir C. [Who has been profoundly thoughtful.] Mr. Rightly, favour me with that paper in your hand.
Rightly. Mr. Clifford's engagement, sir. [Gives the Paper: Sir Clement looks it over, and tears it.] What do you mean, sir?
Sir C. To cancel the obligation, and pay the equivalent to Gayville; or if Clifford will have his own way, and become a beggar by renewing it, to make an heiress of my own for his reparation—and there she stands. [Pointing to Lady Emily.] With sensibility and vivacity so uncommonly blended, that they extract benevolence wherever it exists, and create it where it never was before—Your point is carried—You may both fall upon your knees, for the consent of the ladies.
Lord G. [To Miss Clifford.] In this happy moment, let my errors be forgot, and my love alone remembered.