_Colonel S._ Yes, yes, madam, I lent it him for that purpose----No denying it--I know it well, for I have worn it long, and desire it now, madam, to restore it to the just owner. _Lady L._ The just owner! Think, sir, think but of what importance 'tis to own it: if you have love and honour in your soul, 'tis then most justly yours; if not, you are a robber, and have stolen it basely. _Colonel S._ Ha! your words, like meeting flints, have struck a light, to show me something strange----But tell me instantly, is not your real name Manly? _Lady L._ Answer me first: did not you receive this ring about twelve years ago? _Colonel S._ I did. _Lady L._ And were not you about that time entertained two nights at the house of Sir Oliver Manly, in Oxfordshire? _Colonel S._ I was! I was! [_Runs to her, and embraces her._] The blest remembrance fires my soul with transport----I know the rest----you are the charming she, and I the happy man. _Lady L._ How has blind fortune stumbled on the right? But where have you wandered since?--'Twas cruel to forsake me. _Colonel S._ The particulars of my fortune are too tedious now: but to discharge myself from the stain of dishonour, I must tell you, that immediately upon my return to the university, my elder brother and I quarrelled: my father, to prevent farther mischief, posts me away to travel: I wrote to you from London, but fear the letter came not to your hands. _Lady L._ I never had the least account of you by letter, or otherwise. _Colonel S._ Three years I lived abroad, and at my return, found you were gone out of the kingdom, though none could tell me whither: missing you thus, I went to Flanders, served my king till the peace commenced; then fortunately going on board at Amsterdam, one ship transported us both to England. At the first sight I loved, though ignorant of the hidden cause----You may remember, madam, that, talking once of marriage, I told you I was engaged--to your dear self I meant. _Lady L._ Then men are still most generous and brave--and, to reward your truth, an estate of three thousand pounds a year waits your acceptance; and, if I can satisfy you in my past conduct, I shall expect the honourable performance of your promise, and that you will stay with me in England. _Colonel S._ Stay--Nor fame, nor glory e'er shall part us more. My honour can be no where more concerned than here. _Enter_ SIR H. WILDAIR _and_ ANGELICA. Oh, Sir Harry! Fortune has acted miracles to-day: the story's strange and tedious, but all amounts to this--that woman's mind is charming as her person, and I am made a convert too to beauty. _Sir H._ I wanted only this, to make my pleasure perfect. _Enter_ SMUGGLER. _Smug._ So, gentlemen and ladies, I'm glad to find you so merry; is my gracious nephew among ye? _Sir H._ Sir, he dares not show his face among such honourable company; for your gracious nephew is-- _Smug._ What, sir? Have a care what you say. _Sir H._ A villain, sir.