Bev. My tender obligations to my father have laid so inviolable a restraint upon my conduct that, till I have his consent to speak, I am determined, on that subject, to be dumb for ever.
Humph. Well, sir, to your praise be it spoken, you are certainly the most unfashionable lover in Great Britain.
Enter Tom.
Tom. Sir, Mr. Myrtle's at the next door, and, if you are at leisure, will be glad to wait on you.
Bev. Whenever he pleases——hold, Tom! did you receive no answer to my letter?
Tom. Sir, I was desired to call again; for I was told her mother would not let her be out of her sight; but about an hour hence, Mrs. Lettice said, I should certainly have one.
Bev. Very well. [Exit Tom.
Humph. Sir, I will take another opportunity. In the meantime, I only think it proper to tell you that, from a secret I know, you may appear to your father as forward as you please, to marry Lucinda without the least hazard of its coming to a conclusion—Sir, your most obedient servant.
Bev. Honest Humphry, continue but my friend in this exigence, and you shall always find me yours. [Exit Humph.]—I long to hear how my letter has succeeded with Lucinda—but I think it cannot fail; for, at worst, were it possible she could take it ill, her resentment of my indifference may as probably occasion a delay as her taking it right. Poor Myrtle, what terrors must he be in all this while? Since he knows she is offered to me, and refused to him, there is no conversing or taking any measures with him for his own service.—But I ought to bear with my friend, and use him as one in adversity—