Mel. Good sir,——let me——
Alon. I understand you already, sir,—that you have taken a fancy to it, and would buy it; but, to that I answer, as I did before, that it is a relick of my family: Now, sir, if you can urge aught farther, you have liberty to speak without interruption.
Mel. This diamond you speak of, I confess——
Alon. But what need you confess, sir, before you are accused?
Mel. You promised you would hear me in my turn, sir, but——
Alon. But, as you were saying, it is needless, because I have already spoken for you.
Mel. The truth is, sir, I was too presumptuous to take this pledge from Theodosia without your knowledge; but you will pardon the invincible necessity, when I tell you——
Alon. You need not tell me; I know your necessity was the reason of it, and that place and opportunity have caused your error.
Mel. This is the goodest old man I ever knew; he prevents me in my motion for his daughter. [Aside. Since, sir, you know the cause of my errors, and are pleased to lay part of the blame upon youth and opportunity, I beseech you, favour me so far to accept me, as fair Theodosia already has——
Alon. I conceive you, sir,—that I would accept of your excuse: Why, restore the diamond, and 'tis done.