Alon. But pray conceive me, sir; your father did not leave you flourishing in wealth.
Mel. Only a very fair seat in Andalusia, with all the pleasures imaginable about it: That alone, were my poor deserts according,—which, I confess, they are not,—were enough to make a woman happy in it.
Alon. But give me leave to come to the point, I beseech you, sir. I have lost a jewel, which I value infinitely, and I hear it is in your possession: But I accuse your wants, not you, for it.
Mel. Your daughter is indeed a jewel; but she were not lost, were she in possession of a man of parts.
Alon. A precious diamond, sir——
Mel. But a man of honour, sir——
Alon. I know what you would say, sir,—that a man of honour is not capable of an unworthy action; and, therefore, I do not accuse you of the theft: I suppose the jewel was only put into your hands.
Mel. By honourable ways, I assure you, sir.
Alon. Sir, sir, will you restore my jewel?
Mel. Will you please, sir, to give me leave to be the unworthy possessor of her? I know how to use her with that respect——