_Lew._ My doubts are of myself. I have my faults, and You have observation. If from my temper, my words or actions, you have conceived a thought against me, or even a wish for separation, all that has passed is nothing. _Char._ You startle me--But tell me--I must be answered first. Is it from honour you speak this? or do you wish me changed? _Lew._ Heaven knows I do not. Life and my Charlotte are so connected, that to lose one, were loss of both. Yet for a promise, though given in love, and meant for binding; if time, or accident, or reason should change opinion, with Me that promise has no force. _Char._ Why, now I'll answer you. Your doubts are prophecies--I am really changed. _Lew._ Indeed! _Char._ I could torment You now, as You have Me; but 'tis not in my nature. That I am changed I own; for what at first was inclination, is now grown reason in me; and from that reason, had I the world--nay, were I poorer than the poorest, and You too wanting bread; with but a hovel to invite me to--I would be yours, and happy. _Lew._ My kindest Charlotte! (_Seizing her hand_) Thanks are too poor for this, and words too weak! But if we love so, why should our union be delayed? _Char._ For happier times. The present are too wretched. _Lew._ I may have reasons, that press it now. _Char._ What reasons? _Lew._ The strongest reasons; unanswerable ones. _Char._ Be quick and name them. _Lew._ No, madam; I am bound in honour to make conditions first; I am bound by inclination too. This sweet profusion of kind words pains while it pleases. I dread the losing you. _Char._ Astonishment! What mean you? _Lew._ First promise, that to-morrow, or the next day, you will be mine for ever. _Char._ I do--though misery should succeed. _Lew._ Thus then I seize you! and with you every joy on this side heaven! [_Embracing her._ _Char._ And thus I seal my promise. (_Returning his embrace._) Now, Sir, your secret? _Lew._ Your fortune's lost. _Char._ My fortune lost!--I'll study to be humble then. But was my promise claimed for this? How nobly generous! Where learnt you this sad news? _Lew._ From Bates, Stukely's prime agent. I have obliged him, and he's grateful. He told it me in friendship, to warn me from my Charlotte. _Char._ 'Twas honest in him; and I'll esteem him for't. _Lew._ He knows much more than he has told. _Char._ For Me it is enough. And for your generous love, I thank you from my soul. If you'd oblige me more, give me a little time. _Lew._ Why time? It robs us of our happiness. _Char._ I have a task to learn first. The little pride this fortune gave me, must be subdued. Once we were equal; and might have met obliging and obliged. But now 'tis otherwise; and for a life of obligations, I have not learnt to bear it. _Lew._ Mine is that life. You are too noble. _Char._ Leave me to think on't. _Lew._ To-morrow then you'll fix my happiness? _Char._ All that I can, I will.