_Enter MRS. PARTLET, meeting CONSTANCE, her daughter._ RECITATIVE. _Mrs. P._ Constance, my daughter, why this strange depression? The village rings with seasonable joy, Because the young and amiable Alexis, Heir to the great Sir Marmaduke Pointdextre, Is plighted to Aline, the only daughter Of Annabella, Lady Sangazure. You, you alone are sad and out of spirits; What is the reason? Speak, my daughter, speak! _Con._ Oh, mother, do not ask! If my complexion From red to white should change in quick succession-- And then from white to red, oh, take no notice! If my poor limbs shall tremble with emotion, Pay no attention, mother--it is nothing! If long and deep-drawn sighs I chance to utter, Oh, heed them not, their cause must ne’er be known! _Mrs. P._ My child, be candid; think not to deceive The eagle-eyed pew-opener--you love! _Con._ (_aside_). How guessed she that, my heart’s most cherished secret? (_Aloud._) I _do_ love, fondly--madly--hopelessly! ARIA.--CONSTANCE. When he is here, I sigh with pleasure; When he is gone, I sigh with grief. My hopeless fear No soul can measure; His love alone Can give my aching heart relief! When he is cold, I weep for sorrow; When he is kind, I weep for joy. My grief untold Knows no to-morrow. My woe can find No hope, no solace, no alloy! [_At the end of the song, MRS. PARTLET silently motions to _Women_ to leave them together. Exeunt _Chorus_._ _Mrs. P._ Come, tell me all about it! Do not fear-- I, too, have loved; but that was long ago! Who is the object of your young affections? _Con._ Hush, mother! He is here! _Enter DR. DALY. He is pensive, and does not see them. He sits on stool._ _Mrs. P._ (_amazed_). Our reverend vicar! _Con._ Oh, pity me, my heart is almost broken! _Mrs. P._ My child, be comforted. To such an union I shall not offer any opposition. Take him--he’s yours! May you and he be happy! _Con._ But, mother dear, he is not yours to give! _Mrs. P._ That’s true, indeed! _Con._ He might object! _Mrs. P._ He might. But come; take heart. I’ll probe him on the subject. Be comforted; leave this affair to me. RECITATIVE--DR. DALY.