SIR W. I am sorry, very sorry, to see this sad result of all my labour, and fear that much unhappiness is in store for both of us. How can I introduce my wife to society? how can I pass my leisure in the company of one so utterly uninformed, so incapable of conversation? Ah! my uncle is indeed happy! Blessed with a woman of intellect, whose natural graces harmonise so sweetly with her accomplishments, whose refinement is so exquisite, _his_ life will pass like a dream of bliss--like a---- Eh? (_looking off R.H.U.E._) my friend Augustus with a lady? with my--no; yes, with my aunt! They are in earnest conversation--she seems embarrassed, is weeping--what does it mean? He clasps her hand, and she does not withdraw it--they come this way. I--I feel in a very awkward situation! I would not for the world let them be aware that I had seen them together--I had better retire, and not notice them. I will; I feel as if I had not the moral courage to face them. (_he is about to go off at the back--he stops_) They will see me if I go that way. I quite tremble! they're here! I'll conceal myself, and slip away as quickly as possible. _He passes behind the stand of flowers, L.H., and remains there unperceived by BLENHEIM and LADY PLATO, who enter R.H.D. at the same moment._ BLEN. Permit me at least to _write_ occasionally to you. LADY P. If you will bring every philosophical argument, every delicate sophistry, to prove that one may have a confiding friend to whom one may unfold the heart's dearest secrets, every emotion of the soul, every joy, and every sorrow, not only with safety, but propriety, you may, if you are discreet, periodically correspond with me. BLEN. Then I am happy! and, though my blighted hopes must ever be my theme, yet---- _SIR WILLIAM steals from his place of concealment towards a statue near the door._ LADY P. Heavens! what's that? I heard a footstep! BLEN. 'Tis no one!--why are you so alarmed, so agitated? LADY P. Leave me now! you have not been seen; go out again by the gate we saw near the shrubbery--it opens into the road. You returned here on foot? BLEN. I did. LADY P. Go then, I implore you! and, when you again arrive, no one need know that we have had this interview. BLEN. Adieu! for the last time I press your hand to my lips! _Enter MARGERY, L.H.D., in the dress of a country girl._ MAR. (_entering_) Now I am comfortable--now I do feel myself again! (_seeing BLENHEIM and LADY PLATO_) Oh! _BLENHEIM disappears, R.H.D.--LADY PLATO seems confused._ --Oh! don't mind me! I'm so glad I've caught you, though, for if such a well-behaved gentleman as that is, can kiss my aunt's hand, there can be no harm in my cousin kissing me. LADY P. Listen, my dear friend. I do not wish it to transpire that I have had an interview with the gentleman you saw just now--it would but cause explanations that must lead to disagreeables, and they had better be avoided. I shall therefore rely on your discretion. MAR. On my what?