Loveyet. He did? 'Tis well for him he has call'd himself my father;—but if my Harriet consents, I will immediately put myself in a situation that will justify my preventing his future ill usage:—Fortune has enabled me to act independent either of his frown or his favour;—I have taken such measures, in consequence of his base usage, as will guard us against the effects of the one, without obliging us to cringe for the other.
Harriet. I am happy to hear it; but affluence is not my object, nor poverty my dread; and I am happy I can convince you how little I desire an alliance for interest, by now tendering you the whole of my trifling fortune, in case your father should deprive you of yours.
Loveyet. Charming Harriet! Miracle of disinterested love! Thus let me evince my gratitude.
[Kneels, and kisses her hand.
Harriet. Pray do not worship me, Mr. Loveyet; I am less generous than you imagine;—self-love is at the bottom of this noble declaration; for if I did not suppose you capable of making me happier than any other man, I would keep both my fortune and my person, to myself.
Loveyet. Better and better!—Your explanation gives me new reason to adore such uncommon worth, and makes me blest beyond measure! By heaven, New-York does not contain such a fortunate fellow!
Enter Frankton.
Harriet. [Seeing Frankton.]—Ha, ha. You could not say more, if you were addressing my friend Maria.
Loveyet. Talk not of your friend Maria,—
Harriet. You talked enough of her perfections just now, for both of us.