CLEVELAND. I give you the pledge, then, you ask. Make him your husband, and for your sake I will defend and protect him to the extent of my power.
ROSE. Oh, sir, you make me happy. I am, Major, a foolish girl. I place, perhaps, absurdly, so much confidence in your ability to rescue him from many dangers—that I should like—should like, sir, to wear this ring [Slipping one from his finger.] as a friendly pledge that you will be his guardian, his watchful protector.
CLEVELAND. Let me kiss the ring upon your finger as a formal seal to my pledge.
ROSE. It becomes an oath now.
CLEVELAND. It does—sworn upon this hand.
ROSE. That you are his friend—ever to be my husband's friend.
CLEVELAND. That is the oath. I take it again!
ROSE. [Aside.] Now, Major Cleveland, I have you!
CLEVELAND. [Aside.] She shall be his—then—why then to make her mine.
ROSE. [Aside.] There is some libertine scheme behind all this, I feel assured. He is playing the villain. Well, well! Shall we go in?