MR. ANHALT. Now, then, it is my turn to state mine for the advice I have given you. But first, I must presume to ask a few questions.—Did Agatha, through artful insinuation, gain your affection? or did she give you cause to suppose her inconstant? BARON. Neither—but for me, she was always virtuous and good. MR. ANHALT. Did it cost you trouble and earnest entreaty to make her otherwise? BARON. [_angrily_]. Yes. MR. ANHALT. You pledged your honour? BARON. [_confused_]. Yes. MR. ANHALT. Called God to witness? BARON. [_more confused_]. Yes. MR. ANHALT. The witness you called at that time was the Being who sees you now. What you gave in pledge was your honour, which you must redeem. Therefore thank Heaven that it is in your _power_ to redeem it. By marrying Agatha the ransom’s made: and she brings a dower greater than any princess can bestow—peace to your conscience. If you then esteem the value of this portion, you will not hesitate a moment to exclaim,—Friends, wish me joy, I will marry Agatha. [_Baron, in great agitation, walks backwards and forwards, then takes_ Anhalt _by the hand_.] BARON. “Friend, wish me joy—I will _marry_ Agatha.” MR. ANHALT. I do wish you joy. BARON. Where is she? MR. ANHALT. In the castle—in my apartments here—I conducted her through the garden, to avoid curiosity. BARON. Well, then, this is the wedding-day. This very evening you shall give us your blessing. MR. ANHALT. Not so soon, not so private. The whole village was witness of Agatha’s shame—the whole village must be witness of Agatha’s re-established honour. Do you consent to this? BARON. I do. MR. ANHALT. Now the quarrel is decided. Now is your conscience quiet? BARON. As quiet as an infant’s. I only wish the first interview was over. MR. ANHALT. Compose yourself. Agatha’s heart is to be your judge. _Enter_ AMELIA. BARON. Amelia, you have a brother. AMELIA. I have just heard so, my Lord; and rejoice to find the news confirmed by you. BARON. I know, my dear Amelia, I can repay you for the loss of Count Cassel; but what return can I make to you for the loss of half your fortune? AMELIA. My brother’s love will be ample recompense. BARON. I will reward you better. Mr. Anhalt, the battle I have just fought, I owe to myself: the victory I gained, I owe to you. A man of your principles, at once a teacher and an example of virtue, exalts his rank in life to a level with the noblest family—and I shall be proud to receive you as my son. MR. ANHALT. [_falling on his knees, and taking the_ Baron’s _hand_]. My Lord, you overwhelm me with confusion, as well as with joy. BARON. My obligations to you are infinite—Amelia shall pay the debt. [_Gives her to him_.] AMELIA. Oh, my dear father! [_embracing the_ Baron] what blessings have you bestowed on me in one day. [_to_ Anhalt.] I will be your scholar still, and use more diligence than ever to please my _master_. MR. ANHALT. His present happiness admits of no addition.